We reported earlier on Monday that Barcelona intends to hold talks with Man United for the transfer of Edinson Cavani in the ‘coming few days,’ according to reports in the Catalan press.
Due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival, the striker’s contract ends in June, and while he is eligible for selection, he has struggled to get consistent game time this season.
According to Sport, the 34-year-old has reached an agreement in principle with the La Liga side for an 18-month deal, giving him the most alternatives’ to join the Camp Nou in the winter market.
His presence in Spain will be contingent on the Red Devils issuing a ‘letter of freedom’ to the former Napoli player in the coming weeks.
The Blaugrana have other choices, but due to his ‘complete propensity’ to sign for them, they prefer the Uruguayan. To accommodate the frontman, Barca must reduce their pay bill.
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Cavani is said to be willing to take a pay cut for the first six months of the season and then make up the difference next season. The Spanish giants can only afford to capture the services of the seasoned striker ‘in this way.’
United is studying the operation’ and has so far refused to allow the player move in January for nothing.
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‘Despite everything, if Cavani forces the situation, the most plausible thing seems to be that there is an agreement between all parties and the footballer can land in Barcelona during the first days of January,’ the source continues.
A tendon ailment has kept the South American out of action since his last appearance for United in early November.
According to another Sport article, there are “two prerequisites for Barca to sign Cavani.” The Catalan club is one of them, demanding “complete physical guarantees” of his injury.
Xavi Hernández’s side will only sign the attacker if he can play immediately, despite the fact that he is ‘getting better every day and is anticipated to be fully fit. Barcelona wishes to be confident that the injury will not recur.
Cavani must arrive at the Camp Nou with a ‘letter of release,’ according to Sport, and this is another restriction. The Premier League club is still undecided about allowing him to leave, and his future depends on the outcome of other operations, such as the one involving Anthony Martial.
To summarize, Cavani and Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle for an 18-month contract. Xavi’s club can only sign him on a free transfer, but the deal is still in the works because “everything hinges on what Manchester United does in the next days.”
