Barcelona rule out signing Chelsea midfielder on Bosman deal in the summer

A recent report from MARCA has offered an update on Barcelona’s search for a new midfielder. It is an open secret that the club are in the market for a new defensive midfielder as they look to prepare for the potential departure of Sergio Busquets this year.

Although Xavi Hernandez is keen on prolonging Busquets’ stay at Camp Nou, he is aware of the fact that Barça need a proper long-term replacement sooner rather than later.

In an attempt to find a replacement, Barcelona have targeted several players such as Ruben Neves and Martin Zubimendi. Even N’Golo Kante was identified as a potential option, at some point.

But according to the report, Barcelona have ruled out the possibility of signing the Chelsea midfielder. The Frenchman was never a target for Barça, primarily due to his age.

At 31, Kante does not fit the age profile of players the Catalans want, even though the club are well aware of the quality he brings in the middle of the park. Not to mention, Kante has struggled a lot due to injuries in recent years.

Hence, the Blaugrana have no intention to sign the Frenchman as the direct replacement for Busquets. They are, instead, looking out for a younger alternative that can serve the club in the years to come.

That is where players such as Neves and Zubimendi come into the fray. But they come with their own problems.

Given the financial situation, Barcelona cannot afford Zubimendi, who has a €60 million release clause. Meanwhile, Neves is not favoured by Xavi even though Joan Laporta wants him.

Hence, the coach is seemingly considering the possibility of converting Frenkie de Jong into a defensive midfielder while trying to keep Busquets for another year.

Barcelona, though, have not given up their hopes in the market just yet. They are expected to generate revenue through other ways in the summer and make some moves in the summer.