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#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.
