Acclimatized to their economic situation within the current transfer market by this point in time, FC Barcelona are well aware of their limitations and the consequences that come as a result of being unable to go beyond those limitations.
The departure of Sergio Busquets is one that continues to trouble the coaching staff and higher-ups at FC Barcelona as it leaves behind a very vulnerable and vacant defensive pivot position that the Spaniard had commandeered for around a decade with expertise that has rarely been matched by any talent across Europe.
Barcelona remain adamant that a significant replacement for Busquets has to come in order for the side to stay competent and competitive across Europe’s various competitions.
The club’s manager, Xavi Hernandez, considered Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi to be the ideal successor to Busquets but that operation would end up falling apart due to the financial issues revolving around it.
Sofyan Amrabat was also one of the other alternatives alongside German Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich, but neither are reportedly feasible for Barcelona for varying sporting and economic reasons.
As per the latest revelation from SPORT, however, there might be some light for those who support the Catalan side in their pursuit of a new, quality defensive midfielder.
Deco, the expected new Sporting Director of FC Barcelona, has already identified at least two talented footballers that he considers to be suitable candidates for Barca to pursue given the favorable combination of their technical ability and financial feasibility for the club to engage in transfer negotiations, as well as confidence in the fact that Deco believes both players would be willing to play for Barcelona.
One of the two chosen players currently plies his trade in the English Premier League for Fulham as a central defensive midfielder. The player in question is Joao Palhinha, a 27-year-old Portuguese International who excels as a disruptor against opposition on both the ground and in the air courtesy of his tall stature and also is a dangerous asset to possess in terms of redistribution of the ball and composure on it as well.
While he is valued at around €35 million, Fulham are believed to be looking for a fee in the region of €50 million instead, but it is speculated that there is a lot of room for negotiating when it comes to discussions with Fulham over his transfer.
The second alternative as per Deco is another Portuguese defensive midfielder who at the moment plays for SL Benfica in Portugal’s Primera Liga.
Currently 23 years old, Florentino Luis is 4 years younger than Deco’s other choice, and with a bright future projected to be in front of him, the player would be a no-brainer to recruit under the ideal circumstances.
He remains a key asset for Benfica particularly due to his impressive physical attributes as well as his immensely improved ball-playing abilities.
For the latter, SL Benfica demand a transfer fee of reportedly around €40 million, despite a release clause of €120 million and an estimated transfer value of €20 million. The player has amassed an impressive number of appearances in both domestic and European competitions and is thus a favorable target to pursue for the club.
As it stands, it remains to be seen whether FC Barcelona ultimately decide to pursue either of the two players Deco considers to be good fits for Barca and whether or not their respective clubs come to favorable terms with La Blaugrana to ensure the option of a transfer is even feasible in the first place for either of the two.
