Barcelona coach planning to play close attention to 25-year-old Valencia midfielder tomorrow

Following back-to-back defeats to PSG and Real Madrid, Barcelona will be looking to get back to winning ways as they take Valencia at home tomorrow.

As the Valencia players, looking to solidify a top-six position, make the trip to Barcelona, Pepelu will be a star in focus.

That is because Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez, fresh from reversing his decision to leave Camp Nou at the end of the season, appears to admire the defensive midfielder.

Xavi: A huge admirer of Pepelu

A recent report from MARCA (h/t Diario SPORT) reveals that Xavi had even approached Pepelu after the first-round game against Valencia.

The Spaniard had congratulated the midfielder for his rapid progress and the season he is having at Valencia so far.

Formerly of Levante, Pepelu has indeed become a rising star at Valencia since making the €5 million move last summer.

A rising star in Spanish football? (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

With 34 competitive appearances, Pepelu has become a mainstay in Valencia’s midfield, impressing onlookers with his technical efficiency and ability to control the game.

A feasible option for Barcelona this summer?

It must be noted that one of Barcelona’s priorities this summer is to bring in a quality defensive midfielder, who can replace Sergio Busquets in the years to come.

To that end, Pepelu’s qualities, coupled with his versatility make him an appealing option for Barcelona. The Spaniard, after all, can operate both as a number six and a number eight.

However, the report does note that neither Barça nor Pepelu have gone a step further when it comes to seeking a transfer this summer.

Both parties appear to agree that an operation this summer is unfeasible, especially with the midfielder having a release clause worth €100 million.

However, going forward, Pepelu is certainly a name Barcelona board members will keep an eye on, as they continue their search for that ideal number six.