Over the past few games it has become quite clear that Barcelona are not the same team without star midfielder Pedri on the pitch. The 20-year-old is out injured and in his absence, the Catalans have lacked the creative spark from the midfield, which has cost them in matches.
Manager Xavi Hernandez wanted to sign a midfielder of a similar profile in the last summer itself, but it could not be done.
However, with the issue rearing its head again in Pedri’s injury-enforced absence, the Barça boss will again ask the technical staff to sign a new midfielder who has similar characteristics to Pedri, reports Mundo Deportivo.
As per the report, Barcelona will look for a midfielder who can act as a creative medium who can keep the ball under pressure, be able to play precise short and long passes, create assists as well as carry a goal threat, so that the team is not overly dependent on Pedri.
The report further adds that Barcelona have several options on their radar, with Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva seen as the ideal candidate by the club and the manager.
The 28-year-old was on the Blaugrana’s radar last summer as well, with Xavi seeing him as the right player to either partner Pedri or carry the burden in his absence. Silva’s technique, style of play, and tactical intelligence would make him the perfect fit for the club’s scheme as per the report.
Another player who is seen as suitable to perform this role is Silva’s Manchester City teammate Ilkay Gundogan. The 32-year-old will be a free agent in the summer and is seen as a genuine option at Camp Nou, with Mateu Alemany even meeting his agent recently.
Xavi is also understood to like Villarreal veteran Dani Parejo. The 33-year-old had been on Barcelona’s agenda when Ernesto Valverde was the manager and he still has admirers at the club as he continues to shine bright in La Liga despite his advancing age.
Any move, though, will be dictated by Barcelona’s Financial Fair Play situation in the summer. What seems clear is that Xavi wants to add another midfielder who will offer the same attributes and qualities that Pedri brings to the table.
