Adama Traore speaks on potential return to Barcelona

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 22 Jun 2021 03:53 CDT

Adama Traore has indicated he would be open to a return to Barcelona should a deal be agreed between the Blaugrana and his current club Wolves.

The 25-year-old was born in Barcelona and joined the famed La Masia academy at the age of eight.

After just four appearances for the senior side, he was eventually sold to Aston Villa for a fee in the region of £7 million.

Traore would subsequently move to Middlesbrough before earning an £18 million transfer to newly-promoted Wolves in the summer of 2018.

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It is at Molineux that the Spain international has came into his own, as on his day he can certainly be unplayable due to his strength, dribbling ability and almost unmatched speed.

He was at his best in the 2019/20 season as he scored four goals and contributed nine assists in 27 starts, and it was around that time that Liverpool made their interest known, though no negotiations materialised.

Traore's form went off a cliff in 2020/21 as he scored twice and recorded two assists in 28 starts, but he remains a wanted man due to his clear talent at taking on opponents.

There is an air of uncertainty at Wolves at the moment as manager Nuno Espirito Santo left the club at the conclusion of last season, to be eventually replaced by Bruno Lage.

Wolves have not been immune to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic and if they need to sell anyone, Traore would command one of the highest fees.

Will Adama Traore move to Barcelona?

And if it was up to the player, he'd be heading home.

“Barcelona is my home,” Traore told RAC1.

“It’s the reality. I grew up since I was 10.

“From here, we will have to manage with my agents and see what role Barcelona wants.”

Barcelona are currently in a terrible state financially which means they will not be in a position to pay a significant transfer fee for Traore.

This summer they have still been busy in the transfer market however, particularly with free transfers.

Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia have arrived from Manchester City, while Memphis Depay was confirmed as a Barcelona player over the weekend.

The club are still working tirelessly on a new deal for Lionel Messi.