Five players Barcelona have shortlisted to reinforce the pivot midfield position next summer

Even though Barcelona signed Oriol Romeu to strengthen the defensive midfield position, the club realises the need for another player in the area.

After all, Romeu is already 32 and is not a long-term solution and his performances have already dipped somewhat, although Xavi and the Catalans retain full confidence in him.

However, plans are already in motion to bring in another player to reinforce the position for the next summer window.

Sporting director Deco is working with the idea of signing a young player with some experience at the highest level and great potential so that he can grow into a first-team regular for years, reports SPORT.

As such, several targets fitting that profile have already been identified along with a few free agents who are seen as cost-effective alternatives, the report adds.

Arthur Vermeeren (Royal Antwerp)

A player that Barcelona have scouted on multiple occasions in the past ten months or so and got a close look during their UEFA Champions League Group H clash against Royal Antwerp, Vermeeren is a player that is well-liked by the club’s sporting department.

Barça even scouted him this past week when Antwerp took on Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. At 18, he is a gem with great promise and is already proving himself on the continental stages.

Gabriel Moscardo (Corinthians)

Another 18-year-old wonderkid, Gabriel Moscardo is making his name in Brazil with Corinthians and has caught the attention of Deco and Barcelona. Chelsea are also interested in the young defensive midfielder and have already made attempts to sign him.

Barça, for their part, have also made contact with Corinthians to convey their interest in Moscardo and could step up their pursuit soon before interest in him grows any further.

Sergi Altimira (Real Betis)

A former La Masia prospect, Sergi Altimira signed for Real Betis this summer but could very well have returned to Barcelona as the club made a last-minute hijack attempt only for it to fail.

The 22-year-old defensive midfielder has not played much for Manuel Pellegrini’s side so far this season, featuring only three times (93 minutes) in La Liga. But has a contract until 2028 which could make his acquisition tricky.

Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis)

One of the two soon-to-be free agents on Barcelona’s shortlist, Guido Rodriguez has been on the club’s agenda since last summer and continues to be an option given his experience in La Liga and the fact that he will not cost a penny in transfer fee.

At the same time, though, the sporting staff is not entirely sold on the idea as the Argentine is 29 years old and the club want to bet on someone much younger for the pivot position moving forward.

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)

The Nigerian international is currently plying his trade in England’s second division after Leicester City’s relegation from the Premier League but has emerged on Barcelona’s shortlist as an option for the defensive midfield role.

At 26, Ndidi is entering the peak years of his career and has vast amounts of experience in the Premier League and Europe. He will also become a free agent next summer, making him a viable target for the La Liga champions.

Apart from these five players, the report also claims that there are two unnamed French midfielders on Barcelona’s radar while Xavi still harbours hopes of signing Martin Zubimendi, although that option might not be viable.