Midfield is one of the areas identified by FC Barcelona to be strengthened going into the next season, and a number of options are being considered by the club.
The Catalan club will invest in a midfielder, irrespective of the decision taken by Busquets on either continuing with the club or departing according to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo. The main candidates being considered by the club in this regard are discussed below:
Sofyan Amrabat:
The profile of the Moroccan midfielder has gained a massive boost since his impressive performances in this year’s World Cup. The 26-year-old midfielder was close to joining the Catalans in the winter window as a loanee with a purchase option, but talks could not be materialized with his club, Fiorentina.
He is once again now strongly considered to be the reinforcement that plays in the pivot for the club next season.
Ilkay Gundogan:
The German midfielder has been linked with FC Barcelona for the last few months and is being seen favorably by the Catalans as his contract is ending this season, and he could join them for free. His experience and abilities also make him a good option, but his age and lack of physicality could be an issue.
Martin Zubimendi:
Still only 24 years old and an integral part of the Real Sociedad team, Zubimendi is the one that Xavi prefers in this list. However, his release clause stands at €60 million. As La Real have shown an unwillingness to budge from this sum, his transfer is almost an impossibility for Barcelona at this time.
Fabricio Diaz:
The Uruguayan youngster has seen his stock rise since the South American U-20 Championship, where he led his team to the final. FC Barcelona scouts have reported only positively on the promising midfielder, and Liverpool Montevideo has set his price at €8 million. The operation for the midfielder is in progress, and nothing can be ruled out as of now.
Marcelo Brozovic:
Brozovic was also linked with the club in the last transfer window, as there were reports of negotiations between Barcelona and Inter for a swap deal involving Kessie and Brozovic. However, such a deal never materialized, and while he is still an option for the club, he is unlikely to be bought because of the Italian club’s asking price for the player.
Ruben Neves:
Ruben Neves has also been linked with the club in recent months, especially because of the close relationship of Joan Laporta with his agent Jorge Mendes. While Xavi and his coaching staff do not believe he would bring any significant improvement to the squad, he could still come in handy for the club if he can be bought for cheap.
N’Golo Kante:
Kante’s contract also ends after this season, making him an interesting option for the European giants. While his quality and experience cannot be doubted, he is gaining in on years, and his last season was marred with injury, which can be a concern for the Catalans.
With the exception of Sofyan Amrabat, none of those mentioned respects Barcelona!