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FC Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has been on the lookout for an energetic midfield who will be able to progress the ball forward in his three-man midfield formation. That is why he went all-in for Giorginio Wijnaldum as he was leaving Liverpool after his contract expired. But the Dutch midfielder chose to join Paris Saint Germain instead of coming to FC Barcelona.
Amid Koeman's interest in signing a box-to-box midfielder, the club have not yet managed to register their new signings in Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia and Emerson Royal. FC Barcelona need to cut down their wage bill and only then can they accommodate the new players. So they are looking to sell some of their players, including Antoine Greizmann, to free up funds.
FC Barcelona are in the market to sign a box-to-box midfielder
It is only after they free up the funds that they will look to sign another midfielder. But knowing the Dutch tactician's interest we have listed five midfielders with suitable traits who could be a big hit at FC Barcelona.
#5 Houssem Aouar
The crafty Lyon midfielder rose to the scene a few seasons ago and has been on the radar of several top European teams. While Liverpool and Arsenal involve them in an arm wrestle to sign Houssem Aouar, we feel he could be an ideal fit at FC Barcelona. Ronald Koeman targeted Giorginio Wijnaldum as he needed an energetic midfielder in his three-man midfield system. But since Wijnaldum chose PSG over Barca, Blaugrana may still be looking for a player of the same mould.
Hence they can very well sign Aouar, who has shown similar traits of carrying the ball forward and creating chances for his teammates. Coupled with his energy and creativity, Aouar is also a potent goalscorer. The French midfielder scored seven goals in Ligue 1 last season as he got into great positions to convert his chances. With players like Sergio Busquets and Frenkie De Jong playing beside him, Aouar will have full license to venture forward and create chances, an area that is probably his strongest trait. The 23-year-old midfielder averages around eight progressive carries per 90 minutes, and it makes him a perfect fit at FC Barcelona.
While attack might be his strong suit, Aouar does not slack in his defensive work either. He is young and has the traits that Koeman is looking for in his new acquisition. It will be a huge bargain for FC Barcelona if they can match Lyon's asking fee of £30 million ahead of clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal.
#4 Donny Van de Beek
The young midfielder made a name for himself during his exploits for Ajax during their 2018-19 UEFA Champions League campaign when they reached the semifinals. Van de Beek ran riot against Juventus as he netted a goal against the Old Lady and also stood out as the Dutch champions progressed to the semifinals. He scored a solitary goal in the first leg against Tottenham and handed Ajax an advantage going into the second leg. Although they bowed out of the competition, the youngster left a long-lasting impact through his consistent performances.
He joined Manchester United and was heavily linked with clubs like Real Madrid, Juventus and even FC Barcelona back then. However, his stint at Old Trafford has been pretty ordinary. He did not have enough minutes to prove his worth as a player, restricting him to a backup role. The 24-year-old appeared in 16 Premier League matches last season and only clocked around 511 minutes, proving that he has spent most of the time on the bench.
Therefore FC Barcelona are interested in the dynamic midfielder who can play several roles in the middle of the park. His passing and his footballing IQ are his biggest strengths and he can be a real asset in Koeman's system. Van de Beek's career plateaued last season and a move to FC Barcelona could be a fresh start that needs to resurrect that fire inside him.
#3 Leon Goretzka
A surprise inclusion in this list is mainly due to his recent issues with Bayern regarding his contract extension and recent linkup with FC Barcelona. The German midfielder has grown leaps and bounds in the last couple of seasons. He was a very pivotal player in Hansi Flick's system and guided the Bavarians to a historic treble-winning season. Goretzka's contract expires next summer and therefore clubs are looking to snap him up this season at a cut-price.
The combative midfielder is very dynamic and can play different roles in midfield. His physical stature allows him to retain possession and also win duels in the middle of the park. The 26-year-old has this underrated ability to sense danger and come up with important tackles and interceptions. His ability to initiate press can make him a huge asset at Barcelona.
Although an adept player even at the base of the midfield, Goretzka personally likes to play in a more advanced role and flourishes when he is allowed more freedom to drive the ball forward. The VfL Bochum youth graduate has a great eye for goals as he netted five goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga last season. Goretzka likes to venture forward and link up with Thomas Muller, providing another option in attack. He makes those late runs in the box and has the ability to find the back of the net with his powerful long range shots. However, a move to Barcelona looks unlikely with Manchester United and Real Madrid also interested. The midfielder may also remain at Bayern but he would be a perfect player in Koeman's system.
#2 Renato Sanches
Renato Sanches' name is floating in the transfer market for the last few weeks with several reports linking him with a move to Liverpool or FC Barcelona. The Portuguese midfielder, who has had a top-turvy career so far, had a very impressive Euros 2020 despite Portugal's round of 16 exit from the tournament.
FC Barcelona are eyeing a move for Renato Sanches this summer.
The Lille midfielder first attracted interest from top clubs with his impressive performances at the 2016 European Championship guiding Portugal to continental glory. He would often dribble past experienced defenders with relative ease and even pull off some jaw-dropping skills to bamboozle them. While his Bayern Munich stint was nothing close to exceptional, he has resurrected his career at Lille after guiding them to the Ligue 1 title last season.
Sanches is the exact player that both Barcelona and Liverpool are looking for. Still only 23, Sanches' primary trait is his ability to carry the ball forward. While his decision-making is a bit all over the place, he is still a very dynamic dribbler and can cut through any team's defense on a given day. There have been rumors that Barcelona may sign the youngster on loan with an option to buy in the future. While he fits perfectly in Koeman's system, there are risks with the youngster, especially with his inconsistent patches of form and persistent injury problems.
#1 Saul Niguez
Last but not least, Saul Niguez has turned into a complete outcast at the Wanda Metropolitano.The midfielder is in talks with Barcelona over a swap deal that would bring Antoine Griezmann back to Atletico Madrid. The Frenchman prefers a move back to Atleti and it is fair for the Catalans to ask someone like Saul in return. Barcelona have been interested in the Spanish midfielder for a long time and this could be the right time to bring him to Camp Nou.
While there is no question regarding Saul's talent, the last two seasons at Atleti have not been his best.Therefore the Rojiblancos have signed Argentine midfielder Rodrigo de Paul from Udinese. The Copa America winner looks like a direct replacement for Saul, who recently claimed he does not want to stay at the club. So a fresh start at Barcelona could be a good call for the midfielder to get his career up and running again.
The 26-year-old is especially known for his tremendous work ethic and his ability to play different roles in midfield. He has a palette of skills as a midfielder and can play either as a defensive midfielder or even in a more box-to-box role. Saul fits properly with Koeman's demand for a box-to-box midfielder but with Manchester United and Liverpool also interested in him it will be difficult for Barcelona to rope him in this summer.
