Barcelona need to sign a defensive midfielder as a priority in the summer transfer window, and already look set to make an addition in the area.
The departure of Sergio Busquets hit Barcelona hard, and they signed experienced midfielder Oriol Romeu on a low-cost transfer from Girona to try and replace him without spending heavily.
However, Romeu has been a disappointment since joining Barcelona, and Xavi has had to try other options, including Frenkie De Jong or Andreas Christensen at the base of midfield.
Barcelona’s spending power in the summer transfer window may be limited again, and they will have to be creative in the market, and it now appears that, following the news that Xavi will stay at the club, that he is close to adding another signing.
Barcelona close in on the signing of Guido Rodriguez from Real Betis
A report from Spanish outlet SPORT has now revealed that Barcelona are “on track” to sign Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez.
The 30-year-old is out of contract at the Benito Vilamarin this summer, and has been linked with Barcelona in multiple transfer windows in the past.
The report highlights that he will replace Romeu in the squad as a slightly younger, and better defensive midfielder, and that he would join on a two-year deal with an option for a third if it goes through.
Guido Rodriguez will not be Barcelona’s only midfield signing
The report also states that Rodriguez will not be Barcelona’s starting option, or indeed only signing in midfield this summer as the club prioritises a midfielder who can dictate the play from deep.
Rodriguez is an opportunistic signing for the squad to upgrade on Romeu, and another midfielder will be targeted for the squad.
The Argentina International has been described as “brilliant” by former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell, and would bring a lot of experience to the squad, with 169 Real Betis appearances to his name, and a World Cup under his belt.