Barcelona handed a boost in summer pursuit of World Cup-winning midfielder

The Barcelona news has been dominated by speculations linking them with a move for various defensive midfielders across Europe, including the likes of Sofyan Amrabat, Martin Zubimendi, and Ruben Neves, among others.

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez is looking for a ‘top class’ option and has identified a list of four potential targets involving the likes of Joshua Kimmich and Rodri.

But one more player Barça are keeping an eye on is Guido Rodriguez. The Argentine international has been linked with a move to Camp Nou, with the club viewing him as a potential fix in the defensive midfield unit.

Rodriguez is a potential cost-effective option for Barcelona in their bid to replace Sergio Busquets next season.

And in a major boost to Barça, Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed the club will be ready to hear offers for the player in the coming summer.

“The club have the right to accept any important offer that arrives because they need money,” Pellegrini said (h/t Alvaro Munoz Gomez) in a recent presser.

This could be a boost for Barcelona, who might have to settle for a low-cost option due to the club’s ongoing economic limitations in the market.

Guido Rodriguez, to that end, could be an excellent option as the Argentine has performed brilliantly in La Liga in recent years.

Since arriving from Club America in 2020, Rodriguez has featured in almost 150 competitive matches for Betis. He has impressed the onlookers with his aggression and work ethic in the middle of the park, which makes him an appealing target for the Catalans.

The midfielder was also a part of the Argentina squad that won the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

Barcelona, though, are still likely to prioritise a move for someone like Zubimendi or Kimmich – players with a higher ceiling. It will, nevertheless, be interesting to see whether the club make a move for Rodriguez this summer.