Barcelona is looking to bring in a star midfielder to replace the departing Ivan Rakitic
La Liga Giants Barcelona is looking to bring in fresh legs to replace the departing Ivan Rakitic
Barcelona is trying to rebuild its squad after a trophyless season. The 2-8 loss in the Champions League quarters affected the morale of the dressing room. Players seem to lose faith in the Barca board. Club captain Lionel Messi is edging over a possible transfer after spending 16 years at Camp Nou.
The Argentine talisman did offer a solution that either he stays or the board. However, club president Josep Maria Bartomeu held his position to prove himself before the election in March next year. A lackluster season marked the end of Setien’s era at Barcelona. Former Barca player Ronald Koeman took over the club looking to make changes and improvisation.
In a press conference, the Dutch manager expressed his feelings to build a team with Messi as the pillar. With the six-time Balon D’or winner angling for a move, there are different scenarios. The board put the complete squad up for transfer this summer, with few exceptions. Players like Messi, Griezmann, Dembele, De Jong, Semedo, Lenglet, and Ter Stegen are branded as ‘untouchable’.
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Veteran midfielder Ivan Rakitic has already left the club to join former La Liga side Sevilla. Arturo Vidal is also about to exit the club with considerable interest from Inter Milan and Paris Saint Germain. The team depth has reduced with Arthur leaving for Juventus. Miralem Pjanic is arriving from the other side simultaneously but that does not add up the players leaving this transfer window.
Riqui Puig is inexperienced and yet to develop his skills to become a first-team player. Hence, Barcelona is looking for a robust player in the middle of the park. Express reports that Barcelona is ready to bid for Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.
Koeman about to complete his first signing as manager
Barcelona does not have many options on the bench and requires enough team depth to participate in the Champions League and La Liga. Also, they ought to replace the players leaving Barcelona. Wijnaldum can easily hold the midfield with the player capable of winning back possession.
The Netherlands International knows his way around the pitch as he proves effective even in the attack. He was one of the players to score against Barcelona in the 4-0 win at Anfield a year ago. It is necessary that Liverpool complete the negotiations affirmatively with links to Bayern midfield maestro Thiago. As per Diario Sport, Barcelona will submit a bid of around €20 million.
If the deal goes through well and good, Wijnaldum will become Barca’s second signing and Koeman’s first. There is a lot of speculation going on regarding the rest Barca players, but a consolidated transfer request is yet to arrive.
