Even though Barcelona’s priority for the transfer market remains signing a number nine, a move in midfield is certainly possible given Frenkie de Jong’s long-term absence due to a knee injury.
Barça are stacked with midfield depth despite Frenkie’s injury, with Pedri, Gavi, Marc Bernal, Dani Olmo and Fermín López projected to share midfield duties while La Masia prospects Tommy Marqués, Orian Goren and Guille Fernández will also hope to get a look.
Marc Casadó is still an option but is widely expected
to be sold, and Hansi Flick said the following about his midfield situation in an interview on Monday:
“We always think about our team and what’s best for us. At the moment, I think we have enough midfielders, and that’s how it is. We’ll see what happens in the coming weeks.”
“We’ll see what happens in the coming weeks” at least opens the door for something to change — especially if Casadó is sold. And that something could be Rodri: the Manchester City midfielder and Spain’s best player in their World Cup triumph is expected to leave his current club and return to Spain over the next month, with Real Madrid the leading candidate to land his services.
But according to Fabrizio Romano’s latest update, Man City expect Barça to join the race soon and explore the possibility of convincing Rodri to change his mind.
Rodri’s priority appears to be Madrid, but the promise of a key role in the Barça midfield, a mentorship role for his international teammates at the club level and a strong financial offer could also be appealing if Flick and Deco decide to make a move.
