Barcelona will offer €25 million + €5 million for top midfield target

Just a few weeks after being appointed as the new Barcelona manager, Hansi Flick has already kickstarted the club’s preparation for the season ahead.

One of Flick’s main priorities is to sign a new defensive midfielder. Prior to his arrival, Barcelona were closely linked with a move for Guido Rodriguez.

But Barça’s deal to sign Rodriguez appears to have stalled and the club are now interested in making a move for Mikel Merino.

Barcelona’s planned proposal for Merino

A recent report from Diario SPORT has offered an important update on Barcelona’s pursuit of Merino, suggesting that the club have already outlined a proposal for the midfielder.

As per the report, Barcelona are planning to propose a €25 million deal to Real Sociedad for Merino, with an additional bonus of up to €5 million.

This brings the total value of the deal to €30 million, which appears to be quite reasonable for a player of his calibre and experience.

Not to mention, Merino’s contract at Real Sociedad expires in the summer of 2025, meaning this will be Real Sociedad’s final opportunity to offload the midfielder on a valuation.

What will Merino’s role be at Barça?

While Barcelona mull a proposal for Mikel Merino, coach Hansi Flick appears to have outlined a plan to utilise him in the first eleven.

The German tactician is reportedly considering bringing back the double-pivot system. His plan is to accommodate Merino in the two-man midfield, alongside someone like Frenkie de Jong.

This could lead to some much-needed stability in the Barcelona midfield while allowing more creative players such as Pedri, Gavi and Ilkay Gundogan to express themselves in the final third.

However, it remains to be seen when Barcelona make the proposal and whether or not Real Sociedad are happy with the Catalans’ valuation for the midfielder.