FC Barcelona remain a club that is still not fully satisfied with its current squad. As a result, they turn towards the summer of 2024 in order to bring in some much-needed reinforcements. While several positions require additional recruits, some are much more urgent than others.
One such position is that of the pivot or central defensive midfielder. The Catalan giants have struggled to fill the void left by former icon Sergio Busquets. For the short term, Oriol Romeu has been signed but it remains clear that the future of the position lies elsewhere.
As such, Mundo Deportivo has highlighted three scouted pivots that Barcelona could look into. These players all have hefty transfer fees involved but have recently been highlighted again as potential targets for the Catalan giants.
Martin Zubimendi (Estimated price: €60 million)
The player from Real Sociedad remains the great dream for Xavi Hernandez. He is seen as the rightful heir to Sergio Busquets himself due to his style of play. From a stylistic perspective, he is seen as the perfect replacement for the former Barcelona player.
Xavi remains keen on the player but his price tag is something that continues to put off Barcelona. With a release clause set at €60 million, signing him would be no easy task for the economically-limited Barcelona.
Moreover, it is unclear if he would even be open to such a move away from La Real. As it stands, his dream continues to be to play in the Champions League with his current side. As such, Barcelona will first have to delve deeper.
Bruno Guimaraes (Estimated price: €100+ million)
Another name that pops up is that of Bruno Guimaraes. Hailing from Brazil, he currently plays for Newcastle United in the English Premier League. Doing well both domestically and in the Champions League, the 26-year-old midfielder is another great option for Barcelona.
In terms of his footballing qualities, Guimaraes is undoubtedly an elite player. Physical, technically gifted, and smart in his plays, the Brazilian would provide proven quality and experience to any side that acquires him.
However, it is also clear that Newcastle would not let him go for any meager transfer fee. In fact, many reports claim that the price tag on him would go well beyond the €100 million mark and that is something quite unaffordable for Barcelona.
Ederson Dos Santos (Estimated price: €35-45 million)
The latest addition to this list currently plays in the Serie A. Contracted to Italian side Atalanta, 24-year-old Ederson Dos Santos is a Brazilian midfielder capable of playing as a pivot. His strengths, however, are not quite what is expected of a conventional Barcelona pivot.
Recognized more for his strength and physical style of play, he also provides a great addition of goals to his team. Given that this is something that Barcelona have struggled with in recent games, it could be a welcome addition considering everything.
Moreover, his price tag is much more reasonable than those of the other two on the list. As per MD, while he is valued at €20 million, Atalanta could demand €35 million as a fixed amount alongside up to €10 million in variables.
