Jeremy Mathieu’s proposed move from Valencia to Barcelona isn’t waiting for Peter Lim to take over Los Che.
Mundo Deportivo reports that Lim will complete his takeover of the club early next week but it was suggested that Barca couldn’t sign the Frenchman until Valencia’s ownership status was resolved.
But MD say that’s not the case and the hold-up is solely Valencia’s unwillingness to sell their captain – despite Mathieu agreeing terms with Barca.
The clubs’ sporting directors, Andoni Zubizarreta and Rufete, have met, with Rufete stressing Valencia’s stance that if Barca want Mathieu, he will cost the €20m release clause.
Barca hope to get the price lowered, potentially through Mathieu pressing Valencia into letting him go.
Valencia say they want to keep Mathieu but Nicolas Otamendi is expected to be the replacement, and the Argentine wants to complete the move to Mestalla despite interest from elsewhere.
