What’s the story?
Barcelona have been greatly encouraged in their pursuit of Ligue 1 midfield star, Jean Michael Seri. Dubbed the ‘African Xavi’, the Nice midfielder revealed in an interview with Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, that he is keen on a move to Barcelona and confirmed that the Catalan club had sent scouts to watch him, although he stopped short of confirming whether an offer had been made, although a fee of €35 million has been mooted.
Also Read: Barcelona's top 5 transfer targets of the summer
In case you didn’t know...
Jean-Michael Seri has been greatly instrumental in Nice’s 3rd place finish in Ligue 1, behind Paris St-Germain and champions AS Monaco. The Ivorian has chipped in with an incredible 9 assists, while also scoring 6 goals as he has been ever present in the heart of Nice’s midfield, earning him the moniker ‘Mr. Assist’ among Nice’s fans and his fellow squad members.
The heart of the matter
It’s no wonder that Barcelona are keen to sign him, especially with a nickname like ‘African Xavi’. Barcelona have been greatly encouraged in their pursuit after Seri issued a come-and-get-me plea to the Catalans in an interview with Spanish news outlet, Mundo Deportivo.
He said, "I have been told that Barcelona scouts have come to watch our matches. Look, I've supported Barca since I was a kid, when I was still in my native country, in Ivory Coast. Then when I went to play in Portugal I still had the opportunity to follow their matches more closely. If Barca come for you, you can not say no. No way."
Barcelona have been linked with a move for Marco Verratti, but the Italian had earlier ruled out a move, signing a new deal with PSG in August.
Also Read: Marco Verratti rejects Barcelona and confirms he will stay with PSG
Seri would represent a cheaper option for Barcelona, allowing them to reinforce their squad in multiple positions, while also having stats that are better than Marco Verratti.
What next?
Barcelona ought to get this deal across the line easily, as the player himself is keen, and it is unlikely that Nice will be in a strong position to bargain for more money.
Author’s Take
Not many players have been dubbed the ‘African Xavi’, but Jean-Micheal Seri does model his game on the Barcelona legend. This would be an intelligent move for Barcelona, especially as he would be available for pre-season and could also be satisfied to play a squad role.
