The ACL tear suffered by Pablo Gavi in the last international break significantly changes the plans of FC Barcelona for the coming months. Gavi’s absence can make the club look for a midfield reinforcement in the winter window, especially if the Catalans can make a breakthrough with the sale of Barca Studios.
There were two major additions made to the team’s midfield in the last summer transfer window, i.e., Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu. However, Xavi was reportedly desirous of another attacking midfielder who could serve Lewandowski with killer passes.
Bernardo Silva was the main player that the club preferred for this role, but Giovani Lo Celso was also an option. Now, with Gavi’s injury, Lo Celso is being linked with the Catalan club once again, according to SPORT.
Xavi considers him to be a midfielder who can be compared only to Pedri in the current squad in the aspect of breaking defensive lines and creating good attacking situations, thus bringing more variety to a Barcelona attack that has looked rather monotonous in recent months.
Lo Celso was unable to participate in the World Cup because of an injury, and was also not an important player for his club, Tottenham Hotspurs, spending one-and-a-half years on loan at Villarreal. However, this season, he has been an important player for both Argentina and Tottenham.
With Argentina, he was the creator of the goal that allowed the Albiceleste to win the match against Brazil at the Maracana and has the second-highest number of assists (11) in the national team squad, behind only Lionel Messi himself.
This increasing importance for Tottenham can complicate any future Barcelona moves for the midfielder, but this option is still under consideration at the Catalan club and will be discussed in more detail after the match against Girona.
