One of the main targets for FC Barcelona in this summer transfer window is to sign a replacement for Sergio Busquets. Getting a new midfield pivot is essential for Barcelona before the next season, as this is one of the most influential positions in Xavi’s team setup.
For this role, the club has been looking at several candidates. Xavi’s favorite for this position has been Martin Zubimendi. Still, his high price tag and commitment to Real Sociedad have made it difficult for Barcelona to sign him this summer.
Another player that the coaching staff like is Joshua Kimmich, but he is also far from a move to Camp Nou as he is an integral part of the Bayern Munich squad. According to SPORT, as these high-value targets are seemingly difficult to obtain this summer, Deco has identified two low-cost options in their stead.
These low-cost options are Joao Palhinha and Florentino Luis. The report mentions that Deco believes these players have more specific playing styles that match the team’s current requirements. While the operation to bring these two players to Barcelona would be nowhere near simple or easy, Deco believes that these players would be more than ready to play for Barcelona in the next season.
Palhinha had already been within the radars of the Catalan club, but the club refrained from making a move for him as there were other more urgent positions needing reinforcements.
Fulham got him last summer for €20 million, and the player has been worth every penny paid for him as he is a starter for the English club, and significantly improved ball retrieval and distribution of the team.
His season with Fulham has not gone unnoticed in Europe, as Manchester United, Liverpool, and Bayern all have shown an interest in him. Fulham do not want to sell him to a domestic rival, and will be demanding around €50 million for him, while his market value currently is €35 million.
The second option identified by Deco is Florentino Luis, who has risen to prominence in the last season because of his performances in the Champions League. He was the best ball winner in the last Champions League edition, and is one of the integral parts of SL Benfica team.
The Portuguese has a release clause of €120 million, but Benfica can sell him for around €40 million. This price can be lowered further if a player goes the other way. The player himself wants to play for Barcelona, despite a number of other top European teams also being interested in him.
Deco is advocating signing one of these players to bring stability to the club, and fulfill an important need of the squad till its finances become more stable. Thus, Barcelona would do everything to ensure they have a competent midfield pivot to help the team compete for all the trophies going into the next season.