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2 months ago
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The Barcelona hierarchy have changed their approach to the summer transfer window drastically in recent weeks.
What appeared to be a summer with a straight priority of bringing home a world-class defensive midfielder is no longer as clear.
Now, all of a sudden, the Catalans are eyeing big signings in attack with Dani Olmo and Nico Williams on the list.
Mikel Merino, as revealed earlier today, is another player from Luis de la Fuente’s Euro-winning Spain team who interests the manager. The club are eyeing a surprise move for the midfielder, but it will not be easy.
The club’s stance
As revealed in a recent update on SPORT, Merino is one of Barcelona’s top options to rejuvenate the midfield, especially given that he could arrive for under €25 to 30 million.
Mikel Merino has been identified as the ideal midfield target for Barcelona (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)
However, Joan Laporta and Co. are aware that a move for the Spaniard is far from simple given their financial and wage-related challenges.
Barcelona, thus, will place Merino’s arrival on hold for the time being to evaluate the economic situation and how it pans out. Should the club manage to make big sales and generate sufficient room, they will make an attempt to sign the midfielder.
If, however, Merino does not join or caves into pressure from Atletico Madrid or Arsenal, the Blaugrana will look for a low-cost option once again towards the end of the window.
The academy stars
The Spanish outlet also furthers that one of the reasons behind Flick’s decision to place a midfield signing on hold is the young core in the academy.
Marc Bernal, Marc Casado and Noah Darvich have all impressed the new manager in his first week at the club and are pushing for a spot on the pre-season tour.
Should the youngsters leave a strong impression in the United States, Flick’s decision to sign a winger at the cost of a pivot will be hailed by fans across the globe. The price to pay if it fails, however, will be equally hefty.
