The recently closed summer transfer window was a very successful one for FC Barcelona. The Catalans brought in a number of quality reinforcements while spending only €3.5 million. That amount was the fee paid for the midfield pivot, Oriol Romeu.
With these reinforcements, most of the weaknesses in the squad have been eliminated. However, one weakness remains at the midfield pivot position, as Romeu is the only player who naturally plays in that role in the current squad. With his age and the hectic schedule ahead, Barcelona cannot rely only on him for the entire season.
Barcelona looking for a new pivot
The Catalans are aware of this problem and are looking at several players whom they can bring in in the coming winter window to help the club compete for the Champions League.
The players being monitored by the club for this position include the likes of Guido Rodriguez from Real Betis and Jorginho from Arsenal. Another one that the club’s Sporting Director, Deco, likes highly is Joao Palinha from Fulham.
This latter footballer is gaining increased demand in the market, with a number of sides interested in him. This summer, he was really close to signing for Bayern Munich, he had undertaken a medical with the Bavarian club, but the move fell apart at the very last second.
Manchester United also interested
Now, a report from Mundo Deportivo mentions that there is another side that is getting increasingly interested in the player, i.e., Manchester United. The Premier League side is willing to offer up to €65 million for Palinha, a sum that Bayern Munich were also going to offer to take him to Germany.
It is clear that Palinha will move to another club as soon as an opportunity arises. The Fulham coach commented that he was feeling dejected at not being able to complete his move on the deadline day, while his brother also commented on social media that Palinha’s dream has only been postponed, not entirely destroyed.
Thus, with a move on the cards, FC Barcelona will have to compete with some of Europe’s biggest clubs to get this highly-rated midfielder.
