Barcelona are at a point in their season where reality checks are becoming far too recurrent. The Catalan giants managed to scrape their way through certain victories, but that escape will not work for long. As a result, Barcelona needs to make certain decisions, and make them fast.
One of the primary concerns heading into this ongoing season was the pivot position. Forced to reinforce it with Oriol Romeu as the only budget option they could find, they are now experiencing the negatives to it.
The Spaniard has been fragile and slow in his recent displays. As a result, the urgency to get a quality pivot is now greater than ever.
Reinforcing the midfield
According to the latest information provided by Jordi Cardero, Barcelona intend to do just that in January. Heading into the winter transfer window, the Catalan giants will hope to recruit a new defensive midfielder.
They will keep Vitor Roque’s arrival as their first priority, but signing a pivot is considered crucial. However, there will be certain criteria that have to be met.
Precedent of the Joaos
Alongside the plan to reinforce the fullback position, Barcelona will be looking into the midfield options. To ensure that an operation is feasible given their limited economic ability, the operation will have to “similar to that of the Joao’s”, referring to the arrivals of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid and Joao Cancelo from Manchester City.
This implies that a loan deal on favourable terms or a low-cost signing will be the options for Barcelona. In terms of continuity, it makes complete sense given the fact that the Catalan giants are unable to make big-money signings at this point in time.
Stylistic fit
However, it will be crucial to ensure that the players they consider are a stylistic fit for Barcelona. Moreover, they need to have the right characteristics to play as a Barcelona pivot. Being able to be press-resistant, possess quick decision-making, and be technically gifted enough to play as Xavi instructs.
