FC Barcelona News

Barca’s liveliness on the transfer market has just reached a climax. First three signings Maxwell, Keirrison and Ibrahimovic will be supplemented by at least two new players (a central defender and defensive/central midfielder). After the season had ended the primary objective was to buy five players, but due to an inflation created by Real Madrid’s incongruous signings the plan hasn’t been realized yet.

Two names that have been hovering for the longest time in the Barca sphere are the central midfielder Javier Mascherano and central defender Chygrynskiy. Other names being fairly popular are Bruno Alves and Cesc Fabregas.

However, the main adversity lies in funds that are available for the signing of two players for these two positions. Reportedly, Barca can spend up to €30 million which hampers the whole process as Cesc costs €40 million and Javi Mascherano’s price is tagged fairly high as well.

Barca is scanning the market meticulously and wants to grab the most viable option. The plan B is to find a midfielder that would cost around €10 million. Guardiola wants to avoid the possibility of signing an African player due to the African Cup of Nations that will take place in January next year.

Another facet that is taken in consideration is the problem of transoceanic travels which could complicate many things. Namely, Pep is aware that the World Cup will take a lot of stamina from a lot of players and the last thing he wants in his team is many players that would have to travel home over the ocean. He wants his players concentrated around Europe so that they can have a proper rest and thus benefit their team.

NUMBER 4 SEEMS A PRIORITY

Barca has had many players that could fill in the place of the defensive midfielder perfectly. A player on that position should be versatile, have the ability of short and long passing, securing the ball, keeping the possession and be able to speed in transition. Another aspect worth mentioning is player’s bodily predispositions. Guardiola’s wish is to have a player who would be at least 1.90 m which would enable him to use some force in the aerial battles with tall defenders, but at the same time follow Barca’s philosophy of great technical skills and composure.

In the current team there are two players that have some experience in playing on that position. Firstly, Rafa Marquez was appointed the task of defensive midfielder in Rijkaard’s era on many occasions and while playing for Monaco as well. The second player is Pique; he has similar experience from playing on that position in Zaragoza, but this option seems a bit more precarious.

Other players that could fill in the spot of the midfielder are:

JAN VERTONGHEN

He is a type of a player that reminds of Thiago Motta and plays both as a central defender and can rotate and be utilized on the left wing. His qualities are speed, composure when in possession of the ball and devotedness as a team player. His signing would add a lot versatility to the defence.

TOPAL

Topal is a great defensive midfielder. He is known to be a very dynamic kind of a player with great ability to read the game and is used to play under a lot of pressure. His great quality is also great handling of the ball, he can keep the possession and has a great first touch. Some call him a gladiator due to his relentlessness and a fighting spirit.

MENDES DE SILVA

A type of a player that would bring a lot of experience to the squad. He would have no problem adapting to Barca’s philosophy because he played under Van Gaal who has a very similar techniques of work as Barca. He is known to be very versatile and can play as central midfielder, defensive midfielder and a right back.