FC Barcelona are in dire need of some reinforcements to help revitalize the team ahead of the new year. Xavi’s side has only managed to show glimpses of their best this season, and have mostly been underwhelming. For this exact reason, Barcelona need to find the right kind of boost to help the team moving forward.
Accordingly, there are certain profiles in the team that Barcelona definitely need to work on. One of the biggest losses this season thus far has been the injury of Pablo Gavi. His profile as a tenacious yet technical midfielder is something that Barcelona have been unable to replicate through any other player.
As such, Barcelona president Joan Laporta even admitted that the club is hoping to find an alternative to the youngster in the winter window. While several names have emerged, SPORT believes there are two possible veterans that Barcelona would love to bring in.
The first option would be that of Adrien Rabiot. Aged 28, the Frenchman currently plays as a midfielder for Italian giants Juventus. Formerly a player for Paris Saint-Germain, Rabiot’s move to Italy in 2019 has helped propel his career forward.
Already a mainstay within the team, his incorporation does seem difficult. However, the Frenchman only has half a season left on his contract which expires in the summer of 2024. In the event that Barcelona reach in to acquire him, Juventus would still likely ask for financial compensation.
Moreover, Barcelona also need the player to make an effort if such an offer were to materialize. However, given the difficulty of the operation, the possibility of Barcelona pursuing it seems difficult for now.
The second option that Barcelona could choose to pursue is that of Marco Verratti. An Italian midfielder who formerly played for PSG as well, he is now contracted to Qatari side Al-Arabi. However, Barça would be more than happy to take him away on a short loan.
Unlike Rabiot, however, the key to persuading Verratti is much different than the case with the Frenchman. For the Italian midfielder, a chance to play for Barcelona would come with a welcome back to the top level in Europe. This would also possibly enhance his chances of making the Euro 2024 squad for Italy.
However, as he currently remains contracted to Al-Arabi, the negotiations will have to come in the form of a loan deal that the Qatari club agree upon. SPORT does however mention the possibility of reaching an agreement with the player to extend for another year with Al-Arabi in exchange for going on loan at Barcelona.
