Barcelona looking at Nigerian midfield duo as low-cost options for the summer

Barcelona plan on signing a new defensive midfielder in the summer transfer window, that much is well-known by this point.

Having seen the Oriol Romeu signing not work, sporting director Deco is scouring the market for options in the market to fill the void that was left by Sergio Busquets’ departure in the summer of 2022.

Names like Joshua Kimmich, Bruno Guimaraes, and Martin Zubimendi continue to feature on Barcelona’s wishlist but are simply unfeasible at this point due to the club’s financial state.

As such, Mundo Deportivo is reporting that Barça are also looking at some low-cost options to reinforce the defensive midfield position.

Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika on shorlist

Two of the names on Barcelona’s list of potential targets for the pivot midfield role, as per the report, are Nigerian duo Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) and Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge).

Ndidi, 27, is currently playing for Leicester City in the second division of English football, but his age, experience at the top level, and proven pedigree make him an enticing target for Barça.

What makes the Nigerian international even more is that his contract with the Foxes expires at the end of the season, meaning he would be available for free in the summer.

Raphael Onyedika on Barcelona’s radars. (Photo by KURT DESPLENTER/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

Onyedika, on the other hand, is a young, up-and-coming talent, who has been earning his spurs with Club Brugge in Belgium since joining in 2022.

The 22-year-old’s market value stands at just €8 million, although his contract with Brugge runs until 2027, which does give them an edge in negotiations.

Who are the other options?

Apart from Ndidi and Onyedika, Barcelona are also looking at Kimmich, Zubimendi, and Guimaraes as mentioned earlier.

Aleix Garcia of Girona appears to be high on the wishlist while other names like Youssouf Fofana, Ederson, and Dion Lopy are also being monitored.