Barcelona plan on spending big on a pivot midfielder in the summer – report | OneFootball

Once renowned for being a big player in the transfer market, Barcelona have regressed over the years, with financial complications compelling the club to outline more pragmatic routes.

This was most evident in the recent transfer window, as the Catalan giants prioritized low-cost deals and acquired players available on loan.

Despite the massive void left by Sergio Busquets in midfield, the club could not muster up the funds to go big in the market.

As such, Oriol Romeu was availed as an interim solution, but the club recognizes an upgrade is pending in the defensive midfield department and plan on spending big.

Barcelona have laid out the objectives for next summer

Indeed, the plan for next summer is taking shape, with MARCA reporting that Barcelona does not intend to penny-pinch with the signing of a pivot.

While Romeu enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, his performances have proven to be tumultuous since then. At 32 years of age, the Spaniard is also not getting any younger.

Identifying that there is a desperate need to address the lack of natural pivots available in the squad, the club is prioritizing a big-money signing next summer.

Along with the permanent incorporation of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo, a new pivot midfielder is seen as a key priority.

Who are Barcelona targeting?

Xavi remains keen on Zubimendi. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

A number of defensive midfielders have consequently found themselves linked with the Blaugranes as the Catalans are keeping tabs on high-profile options

Hailing from Real Sociedad, Martin Zubimendi is high on Xavi’s wish list, as is Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich.

Signing either of those players will not come cheap, with Zubimendi being protected by a €60 million release clause, while Bayern will demand a big fee for Kimmich.

However, the club are also monitoring youngsters with high ceilings, such as Arthur Vermeeren and Mats Wieffer.

After a summer of saving and resource preservation, the club are expected to be more liberated next year, with the signing of the pivot midfielder taking priority.