Barcelona face a difficult summer window due to financial restrictions, but if they can find room for a signing, it appears that it will come in midfield.
Hansi Flick, like his predecessor Xavi, is keen to add a central midfielder to the squad. Barcelona have struggled in the middle of the park since Sergio Busquets departed, despite possessing quality individuals such as Ilkay Gundogan and Frenkie De Jong.
A midfielder who can help dictate the play from deep positions will be prioritised, and it now seems that Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino is on the agenda, if a deal can be completed.
Barcelona to target Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino
A report from Spanish outlet SPORT has now revealed that if Barcelona can adjust their finances to comply with Financial Fair Play rules, that they will make a move for Mikel Merino in the coming weeks.
Deco is a big fan of the midfielder, and there is a belief at the club that Merino “fits perfectly” into the system Hansi Flick wants to implement.
There were strong links between Barcelona and Merino’s teammate Martin Zubimendi in the past, but perhaps Merino is now being targeted instead as his contract has just two years remaining, and he is reportedly highly keen on a move to the Blaugrana.
Would Mikel Merino improve Barcelona’s midfield?
Merino is a player who would bring serious quality to the Barcelona midfield, but there may be some questions over his tactical fit.
Under Imanol Alguacil, Zubimendi is the deepest midfielder in the team, with Merino playing a more advanced role, but he is able to drop into deeper positions when required.
Barcelona reportedly admire his completeness, as someone who can win duels, in addition to his sublime technical ability, and as an option who can contribute at the edge of both boxes.
It remains unclear how exactly he would fit in, either in a double pivot next to Gundogan, which would raise questions over the future of De Jong, or as a more advanced option as an alternative to Pedri.
Merino would bring experience and technical quality regardless, and if a deal can be done, he could be a signing which helps Flick restore pride to Barcelona’s midfield.
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