Barcelona considered signing 23-year-old Ajax midfield sensation this summer – Romero

Barcelona were scouring the market for reinforcements in midfield this summer and eventually signed Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu.

However, according to Gerard Romero. the La Liga champions were also interested in Ajax midfield sensation Mohammed Kudus but ruled out signing him due to his price tag.

Kudus a man in demand

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has grown into one of the most exciting talents in Eredivisie in the past few years.

A versatile attacking operator who can play in multiple roles in the final third and in the centre of the park, Kudus is attracting serious interest from clubs in the Premier League.

Indeed, Arsenal have been long-term admirers of Kudus, while West Ham United have shown a strong interest in his services recently, with Brighton & Hove Albion also said to be among his suitors.

Barcelona, too, had taken an interest in Kudus and considered a move for the Ghanaian international.

Given his ability to score and assist goals from midfield, the 23-year-old would have been an exciting option for the La Liga champions.

However, his price tag meant that a move was never in question. Recent reports in England suggest that Ajax are seeking £44 million (€51.6 million) for him, which would have never been possible for the Blaugrana given their financial situation.

Apart from Kudus, Barcelona also held a strong interest in Bernardo Silva of Manchester City, but were priced out a move for the Portuguese international as well.

As such, with Xavi still looking for an attacking midfielder, the Catalan giants are looking at Tottenham Hotspur’s Giovani Lo Celso.

A loan move could be possible for the 27-year-old Argentine, as long as there is at least one major exit from the club before the window slams shut.