Report: Ronald Koeman insists on midfield signing

With the transfer window almost upon us, Barcelona are ramping up their activities in the market. The Blaugrana have already strengthened their defence with the signings of Eric Garcia and Emerson Royal. Attacking reinforcement has also arrived in the form of Sergio Aguero, while Memphis Depay could soon be signing as well.

Now, the focus shifts towards the midfield department, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman is insistent on the Catalans bringing in a new midfielder as the squad restructure continues ahead of the 2020/21 season.

As things stand, Barcelona already appear well-stocked in midfield with Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Sergio Busquets, Miralem Pjanic, Riqui Puig, Ilaix Moriba all being available to the manager.

In addition, Carles Alena will be returning from his loan spell while Philippe Coutinho will make his comeback from injury imminently as well. Sergi Roberto is another player that can be used in midfield by Koeman. Barcelona B prospect Matheus Fernandes is another potential candidate for a spot in the centre of the park.

However, it must be noted that four of the aforementioned players – Pjanic, Coutinho, Roberto and Alena, might not have a future at Camp Nou beyond this summer. Even Matheus has been linked with a move away from the Catalan giants.

Besides, Busquets is not a spring chicken anymore and needs his game-time managed as well. At the moment, Barcelona do not have any viable backup for the Spanish international, which will need addressing.

Considering all factors, Koeman is now determined to secure a new central midfielder before the next season kicks off. Barcelona’s pursuit of Georginio Wijnaldum was an open secret. But with the Dutchman snubbing the club for PSG, they are now left scouring the market for alternatives.

The report states that Barcelona and Koeman are looking for a midfielder possessing strong physical attributes while also boasting good technique, the ability to make driving runs forward and having the quality to help the team out when off the ball.

There has been no particular name mentioned as a target in the report but Barcelona have been recently linked with AS Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini.