Barcelona discard the signing of World Cup-winning midfielder due to concerns over age

Barcelona’s search for a long-term pivot has seen them linked with several players plying their trade in the base of midfield.

While Sergio Busquets’ called it quits in Catalonia at the age of 35, his departure was an unexpected blow for Barcelona, who were unable to spend much on his replacement in the past summer due to financial limitations.

However, the Catalans continue to scour the market for exciting opportunities and aim to provide competition to Oriol Romeu, Barça’s only natural defensive midfielder in the squad.

Guido Rodriguez losing consensus

One of the names previously shortlisted by the Blaugrana hierarchy was Real Betis’ Guido Rodriguez.

The Argentine World Cup winner’s contract with the Verdiblancos expires in June 2024, and Betis risks losing him for nothing the next summer.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are beginning to rule out his option due to his age and the club’s need for a long-term pivot.

Despite the opportunity to acquire him as a free agent next year, which is something Barcelona have done often amid their financial crisis, Deco wants to invest more in a younger player.

Guido Rodriguez, at the age of 29, is unlikely to offer many years at the top level, which naturally stands as a deterrent to Deco, who favors the upbringing of youth.

Given Oriol Romeu is already a veteran plying his trade as a defensive midfielder, a younger player to alternate with him would prove to be a more sensible dynamic.

Moreover, another factor hampering the Argentine midfielder’s case is the fact that he sustained an ankle injury that forced him to undergo surgery.

Guido Rodriguez had surgery last Thursday after suffering a fracture to his right leg, and injuries of this nature cause the club to act with caution.