Barcelona Are In Advanced Talks To Land This La Liga Midfielder: Decent Option For Xavi? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Sport claimed that Barcelona are in advanced talks to land Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez. It is believed that the Catalan club are eager to acquire the services of the Argentine talent later this summer.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed a solid campaign at the Spanish club after putting in a series of impressive performances at the heart of their midfield. Rodriguez has scored two goals and grabbed one assist in 25 appearances for Real Betis this season across all competitions.

The Argentine midfield ace has proven his worth at the centre of the park by averaging 1.9 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 1.9 clearances per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has also been excellent when distributing the ball from midfield based on his pass success rate of 85.9% in the Spanish top tier (stats via whoscored).

His current contract at the Spanish club will run out at the end of this campaign which could open the door for Barcelona to recruit him on a free transfer at the end of this campaign.

TOPSHOT – Real Betis’ Brazilian midfielder #12 Willian Jose celebrates with Real Betis’ Argentinian midfielder #05 Guido Rodriguez after scoring his team’s second goal during the Spanish league football match between Girona FC and Real Betis at the Montilivi stadium in Girona on March 31, 2024. (Photo by PAU BARRENA / AFP)

Is Rodriguez A Decent Option For Barcelona Boss Xavi?

Rodriguez can offer decent protection for his teammates at the back. He is quick to spot the danger and doesn’t hesitate to clear his lines when needed. The Argentine sensation is a good tackler of the ball and can make a few timely interceptions for his team in the middle of the park. He already knows La Liga well by now and won’t take much time to settle into life at the Nou Camp if Barcelona can devise a way to bring him on board this summer.

At 30, Rodriguez has still got a few good years left in him. Plus, he is on an expiring contract which makes him a great, short-term option for the Catalan club to consider in the upcoming transfer window.

Rodriguez would bring more bite and steel to Xavi’s midfield. He might even help Barca challenge across all fronts over the next few years. Thus, Xavi would be wise to go all out to sign him on a free transfer later this year.