Official: Traore seals Barcelona return on loan-to-buy deal

Stuart Hodge

• 29 Jan 2022 19:00 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona have sealed the capture of Wolves winger Adama Traore on a loan deal with the option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.

Spurs were also said to be interested in the 26-year-old but he was reportedly “unconvinced” by Tottenham’s desire to use him in a variety of roles and a return to Barcelona, where he previously graduated from the La Masia academy, was always his preferred option.

An option of €35 million has been inserted into the agreement between Wolves and Barca to allow the Blaugrana to pull the trigger on a permanent transfer if Traore can convince Xavi and the club’s hierarchy it’s worth the investment this summer.

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In 154 games for Wolves, Traore has scored 11 times and clocked up 18 assists. They’re not huge numbers, but he would offer a different option for Barca and will be eager to impress on his return.

Traore is out of contract in June 2023 and Wolves have been trying to extend his contract for over a year now, but it looks like his future may now lie elsewhere – especially if he succeeds in his six-month Camp Nou cameo.

Traore’s history with Barcelona

Traore featured mainly for Barcelona B during his time in Catalunya, but also appeared as a substitute in a La Liga and Champions League game for the main team as a 17-year-old.

He also netted once for Barca in December 2014, with a solo goal in an 8–1 home demolition of Huesca in the Copa del Rey.

In August 2015, a desire for first-team football saw him depart to join Aston Villa on a five-year deal for €10m (rising to €12m) with Barcelona inserting a three-year buy-back clause in his contract which was never triggered.

What has been said about Traore’s return

Former Barcelona B team-mate Sergi Palencia is convinced that Traore will add a new dimension to the Catalan giants’ attack.

He said: “The most difficult player to defend that Barça would have upfront would be Adama. His abilities are amazing.

“I know he wants to return home. He is not a player with big numbers, but he is a different type of player, he enriches you and makes you more unpredictable.

“He is not a player who stands out for teaming up with his teammates but I think that because of Xavi’s approach to play, he can create spaces inside and threaten on the outside.”

Referencing Traore’s explosive playing style, Palencia added: “Before, he progressed more because of how fast and slippery he was, and now he almost knocks down his rivals.”