FC Barcelona sporting director Deco has shortlisted a set of midfielders that the club is interested in potentially buying this summer, as reported by SPORT. The club is still in search of a suitable replacement for former captain Sergio Busquets, who departed for Inter Milan last summer after a successful tenure with the team.
Oriol Romeu, a La Masia graduate, was initially brought in as a cost-effective option and showed promise at the start of the season. However, a loss of form and knee issues have seen him drop down the pecking order, limiting his playing time. With Frenkie de Jong sidelined due to injury, central defender Andreas Christensen has been deployed in a midfield role, highlighting the team's need for reinforcements.
Recent matches have seen makeshift solutions being employed, such as Ilkay Gundogan filling in admirably in midfield. However, this approach is not sustainable in the long term, prompting Barcelona to explore options in the transfer market if financial constraints can be addressed.
Among the midfielders on Barcelona's radar is Everton's Amadou Onana, valued at $66 million. The potential relegation of Everton could lower his price tag, making him a more viable target for the club. Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich, a previous target, may become available for transfer in the upcoming seasons, with reports suggesting a willingness from Bayern to negotiate a deal.
Another option for Barcelona is Girona's Aleix Garcia, who has been in fine form and played a key role in his team's unexpected title challenge. Garcia's release clause of approximately $16.2 million makes him an affordable choice for the club.
As Barcelona looks to strengthen its midfield options, the club will need to make strategic decisions in the transfer market to address the current gaps in the squad and build for the future.
