It has been revealed that Barcelona manager Xavi has been the driving force behind a potential loan exit for Nico Gonzalez, despite the club’s desire for a defensive midfielder.
Xavi is desperate for a replacement for Sergio Busquets, and is reportedly eyeing up Girona’s Oriol Romeu, but given Barcelona’s financial troubles, a deal may not be straightforward.
Nico spent last season on loan at Valencia, where he was impressive despite the team struggling in a relegation battle, and the 21-year-old could fit the profile of what Xavi wants perfectly.
Barcelona could have integrated the La Masia graduate, avoiding the need for more signings, as a direct replacement for Busquets, but it seems that Xavi is hesitant to use a young player in such an important role.
ESPN have reported that whilst directors Mateu Alemany and Deco are fans of the player, Xavi wants someone more experienced in his midfield, to line up alongside Ilkay Gundogan and Pedri.
Should Barcelona use Nico?
With Romeu looking like the main target, the Girona star, like Nico, is a La Masia graduate, having initially developed in the academy before moving to the Premier League.
Nico offers more physicality than Romeu, standing a few inches taller than the 31-year-old, and also ranks significantly higher for his passing and ball-carrying ability.
Romeu may offer more defensively, but Nico comes closer to replicating the aerial dominance of Busquets, and he could save Barcelona having to pay a transfer fee when already in significant debt.
Former manager Ronald Koeman described Nico as “really good” when he initially broke through into the Barcelona first-team, and it is clear that some at the club rate him highly.
It would be a huge responsibility for Nico to step into the Busquets role immediately, and perhaps Xavi is eyeing up another loan spell to prepare him to join the squad in the future, but if a deal for Romeu proves tough to negotiate, then Barcelona may have to consider fast-tracking him to the first team, like his compatriots Pedri and Gavi.