Barcelona see Real Betis midfielder as an alternative for Sofyan Amrabat in the summer

After failing in the January transfer window, Barcelona have once kickstarted their pursuit of Sofyan Amrabat ahead of the coming summer.

The club are determined to reinforce the pivot position, keeping in mind Sergio Busquets is in the final phase of his career, even if he does end up renewing at Camp Nou. Amrabat is a player that generates the most consensus among the Barça coaching staff.

However, as reported by Javi Miguel, Barcelona are keeping their options open and have targeted other players in the market, especially if the Amrabat deal falls through once again.

As per the report, Guido Rodriguez has been identified as one of the alternatives should Barcelona fail to sign Amrabat this summer. The midfielder currently plies his trade for Real Betis but is regarded highly among the club’s technical staff.

Rodriguez could be a cost-effective option for Barcelona, keeping in mind his current contract at Real Betis expires at the end of next season. This should enable the club to sign the player on a cut-price deal this coming summer.

The Barcelona coaches rate Rodriguez highly due to his international experience – the midfielder has featured in 27 matches for the Argentine national team and was part of the squad that won the FIFA World Cup last year.

The Catalans believe Rodriguez is a player who can adapt to the Blaugrana style quite easily. His status as an Argentine international could also appeal to Lionel Messi, one of Barça’s priorities in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Rodriguez also offers the aggression and physical superiority that should add some much-needed balance to a midfield dominated by technically superior players such as Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Gavi, among others.

However, it must be noted that Barcelona are likely to prioritise a move for Amrabat, before seeking other options such as Rodriguez.