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Barcelona still maintain a high standard, but there's a feeling that one era has closed, and another one is about to begin.
The famous trio of Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta is no more. Busquets is the lone survivor, after Xavi retired and Iniesta departed for a new adventure in Japan, but even he is beginning to show signs that his best days may be behind him.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have yet to bring in youthful replacements, instead opting for experience. Ivan Rakitic, now 30, joined in the prime of his career, while Arturo Vidal (31) joined in the summer. At the moment, 22-year-old Arthur is the only young midfielder in their first team squad.
One imagines that Barcelona are due a rebuild of their engine room, perhaps with one eye on players who could represent them for many years to come.
The rumours about who they could sign have been endless. Here are just five options who could refresh their midfield.
Frenkie De Jong
If the papers are anything to go by, De Jong is already a target for Barcelona – and several others. The Ajax youngster has won praise for his watchable technique and superb midfield play in the Eredivisie.
A comparison to Andres Iniesta perhaps doesn’t say much on its own, but De Jong does possess the attributes that Barcelona value. He plays as if he has all the time in the world. Left alone, he’ll pick a pass through an opposition midfield. Put under pressure, he’ll step past players and make space for himself.
The only doubt about him is whether he’ll be able to cope at a higher level, but there should be no doubting the technical quality and intelligence he already has. If Barcelona are looking for a midfield mainstay for many years, they shouldn’t look any further.
Houssem Aouar
If De Jong proves too costly a venture for Barca, they could turn their attention to 20-year-old Houssem Aouar of Lyon. Lyon has proven to be a reliable club for talent, with Aouar the latest to come from their excellent academy.
While France have a reputation for producing powerful midfielders, Aouar is of a different archetype. He uses his skill and quick feet to slip by opponents and attack the final third. He’s been especially dangerous on the counter-attack, when he can use his skill and vision to devastating effect.
Where Aouar differs to other potential targets is that he’s not a traditional playmaker. He’s an offensive player who likes to make things happen with his dribbling, a defense-splitting through pass or a clever run into the channels. Barcelona could benefit from this type of threat of midfield, as it would make them less predictable.
Adrien Rabiot
Another player who has frequently been linked with a move to Barcelona. Never far from controversy, Rabiot is in the middle of a contract negotiation with Paris Saint-Germain. Should those negotiations fail, it could be an excellent opportunity for Barca to make a move.
Rabiot has been a mainstay in the PSG midfield for a few years now, after breaking through as a teenager. He fit seamlessly into their 4-3-3 formation, playing in any of the three midfield roles when needed, and gained a reputation for his all-action playing style.
The 23-year-old is a proactive player who can inject energy into a game, either by exchanging quick, short passes with his teammates or by closing down and winning the ball back. While he may not orchestrate proceedings from midfield, he can add a lot of vibrancy to Barcelona’s team.
Piotr Zielinski
If Barcelona are looking for a technically-gifted midfield player with experience in a 4-3-3 set-up that emphasizes possession, then they won’t have to look further than Zielinski.
The 24-year-old Polish international was an unknown before Maurizio Sarri took him to Napoli from Empoli in 2016. Since then, he’s progressed into one of Europe’s most exciting midfielders and has had no shortage of links to the very biggest clubs.
Zielinski combines tight close control with penetrative passing. While Marek Hamsik typically assumed the role of attacking midfielder, it was Zielinski’s job to find spaces and ensure that the ball kept moving in the opposition’s half and founds its way to Napoli's dangerous attack.
Able to play in a more advanced role or on the flanks, Zielinski can add zest to Barcelona’s midfield, and could even be a cheaper alternative to the other options out there.
Saul Niguez
Saul would be a difficult and unorthodox purchase for Barcelona, but he would certainly bring something different to the team.
A strong attachment to Atletico Madrid makes him near unobtainable for most clubs, but Barcelona have managed to do business with them before. At the right price, any player could be available.
Saul stands-out for his all-round qualities. Having been coached by Diego Simeone for several years, he possesses strong defensive awareness atop of a reliable technique. He would have to adapt to fit Barcelona’s style, but his superb engine and combative attitude could be a nice compliment to their other players.
On top of that, Saul is capable of scoring goals from midfield, and they’re often brilliant. Whether it’s mazy runs through defences, or volleys from the edge of the area, Saul has a knack for popping up with a spectacular goal in a big game. This would be valuable for any team, especially when their frontline isn’t firing.
