Barcelona attempted to sign on-loan Manchester United midfielder in January – Romano

Oriol Romeu got off to a bright start to life in Barcelona, but his slump towards the end of last year did not help the club’s cause. Still recovering from the departure of Sergio Busquets, the manager had no alternate options to call on amidst Romeu’s rut.

Xavi has handled the situation well now, deploying Andreas Christensen as the pivot. The Danish international required some time to adjust to his new role but now appears to be enjoying life in his newfound role.

It is thus surprising when one turns back the clock to January when Barcelona were desperately searching for a new pivot.

Fabrizio Romano provides information about one of the Catalans’ several targets at the time.

Option Amrabat

As revealed by the Italian journalist, Barcelona had their eyes on Manchester United’s Sofyan Amrabat during the recently concluded winter transfer window.

In fact, it was not the first time they were linked with the Moroccan star for they pursued him last summer as well.

The player is currently on a year-long loan at Manchester United from Fiorentina, and the Red Devils are paying the Italian club €10 million for the same.

However, the midfielder has been unable to gain prominence at Old Trafford. And as such, Barça explored the possibility of signing him by contacting the Premier League to see if they would be willing to break the loan agreement for Amrabat.

Amrabat has struggled at Man United. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

But when Barcelona approached Erik Ten Hag’s side over the possibility of breaking Amrabat’s loan, they refused to cooperate.

Since his move to United, the 27-year-old star has started just seven Premier League games and averages just over 50 minutes per game. Further, he is yet to open his goal and assist tally for the season.

Targets for the summer

The summer transfer window is not talked about in much detail in Barcelona, for the club’s transfer operations will depend on the financial situation at the time and the departures facilitated.

There are, however, two names that stand out to the Catalan club’s administration to take over in the defensive midfield come next season – Amadou Onana and Dion Lopy.

Onana, a key element in Everton’s midfield setup, is a prime target for Barcelona considering his club’s current battle with relegation.

Lopy, meanwhile, currently plays for UD Almeria and his signing will depend on Barcelona’s ability to fulfil his €40 million release clause.