While there is only one transfer that FC Barcelona are looking to complete in the upcoming winter transfer window, that of Vitor Roque, there are several other positions that the club will have to strengthen in the next summer window.
The most prominent of these positions in need of reinforcement is that of the midfield pivot, as it is becoming increasingly clear that Barcelona would need someone younger and more skilled than Oriol Romeu to compete with the best sides in Spain and Europe.
While this position can be covered by other midfielders in the squad, the Catalans do not have a specialist other than Romeu for this role.
There are youngsters who can fill this position, most notably Pau Prim and Marc Bernal, but the club believes they still have to grow and develop further before they can be handed over first-team responsibilities.
Thus, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are combing the market for a strong midfielder, who can keep running throughout the game. From their past, Barcelona are looking for a player in the mould of Edgar Davids, or above all, Yaya Toure.
The latter was able to win over the coach Frank Rijkaard, the fans, and his teammates with his technique, versatility, and strength despite coming as a rather unknown name from Monaco.
From the current crop of players, Barcelona have the Real Madrid midfielder, Aurelien Tchouameni, in their mind as the model player they want, someone who is good defensively and also makes runs to the opposition box.
Several players have been identified by Barcelona for such a role. The Catalans particularly like Bruno Guimares from Newcastle United, but his €100 million release clause makes an approach for him abortive to begin with.
The Monaco midfielder Yousuf Fofana, who started the semifinal and final for France in the last World Cup, is another player liked by Barcelona. The 22-year-old Amadou Onana, currently playing for Everton, and Ederson dos Santos from Atalanta are also attracting Barcelona’s interest.
