Barcelona: The player Lionel Messi suggested to Xavi Hernández

AS understands that Giovano Lo Celso is one of the names that appeared as a viable option on Barcelona’s shortlist to fill the position that will be left as Leo Messi opted to not join the club this summer.

It was Xavi Hernández himself who insisted on the possibility of incorporating the Argentine international, as long as fair play allows it. Xavi hasn’t forgot the conversation he had a few years ago with Messi in which he told him that the best player in the Albiceleste national team was a midfielder, also born in Rosario. His name: Giovani Lo Celso.

Xavi following Lo Celso

Since that day, Xavi has been following the midfielder, first at PSG, then at Betis, then at Tottenham and last year at Villarreal. Lo Celso, with a contract at Spurs until 2025, has seen his career go from loan to loan. On the international front, he has enjoyed success with the Argentina national team, especially in the Copa America and at the 2022 World Cup.

Xavi believes Lo Celso would be a great addition at Barcelona: a versatile player, who would add talent to his midfield, and above all would help with creativity in the final third, something the team lacked on many occasions last season.

Gündogan close to completing move

Once the signings of Ilkay Gündogan and Iñigo Martínez have been completed, and with Vitor Roque signed, the priority target remains the defensive pivot. Lo Celso could be one of the players that the board do eventually bet on. A loan deal would be the most likely scenario, but without ruling out an option to buy at the end of the season.