BARCELONA
Who will Barcelona sign to replace Sergio Busquets?
The arrival of Oriol Romeu has not solved the club’s defensive midfield problem.
When Sergio Busquets left Barcelona for Inter Miami, head coach Xavi wanted to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi to replace the veteran No 6. Club president Joan Laporta was quick to reject that idea and the Catalan coach had to settle for Oriol Romeu, who arrived from Girona for €3.5 million.
New sporting director Deco is working on strengthening in that area of the pitch. Although he recently admitted to having names of young midfielders like Gabriel Moscardo and Arthur Vermeeren (Antwerp) on his radar, the Catalan club do not want to experiment, and the idea is to sign a top midfielder, who is ready to step in.
Midfield options for Barcelona
Mundo Deportivo and Sport have offered several names who could come in to strengthen Xavi’s midfield. Mundo Deportivo report that Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes could be the one. The Brazilian is currently valued at €85 million. There is also a more affordable option for the Blaugrana. Fellow Brazilian Ederson, of Atalanta, plays in the holding role and has a valuation of €20 million.
Sport, meanwhile, report that Dutchman Mats Wieffer of Feyenoord is also on Deco’s shortlist. Barcelona have players to monitor, however, no new signings are not expected to be made in January.