Barcelona very near to sign World Cup winning pivot – Romano | OneFootball

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Having already completed their most urgent task, i.e., deciding who will be the head coach for the next season, FC Barcelona can now focus all their attention on strengthening the team for the upcoming campaign.

The squad area that needs reinforcement most urgently is that of the midfield pivot, as the Catalans have been unable to get a competent replacement for Sergio Busquets since his departure. While Andreas Christensen has played satisfactorily in this position in the last few weeks, the Blaugranes are still looking for a specialist.

In this regard, one of the most realistic options for Barcelona has been the Real Betis midfielder, Guido Rodriguez, whose contract is ending this summer, and who is considered as a low-cost and nice option to pursue by the Catalans.

In fact, a meeting between Rodriguez’s representatives and Barcelona had already taken place in recent days. The latest update on this operation has been provided by Fabrizio Romano (h/t Barca Times), who claims that the Blaugranes have almost reached an agreement with the player.

Thus, an agreement between the two parties can be arrived at in the coming few days and Rodriguez’s inclusion can be a positive development for Xavi’s squad. There have been other more alluring names like Onana, Kimmich, and Zubimendi associated with Barcelona, but owing to the economic difficulties of the club, Rodriguez remained the most suitable option.

However, his inclusion will not be good news for everyone, as this means that Oriol Romeu is almost certain to leave the club this summer. With his departure, Christensen and Rodriguez will be the two options for Xavi to play at the midfield pivot position.

Xavi also likes the World Cup winner’s style of play, and the coach’s continuity also plays in the favour of him coming to Barcelona this summer, and the trainer had already been in contact with his likely new player in recent days.