Barcelona will sign World Cup winner as replacement for exit-bound veteran star

FC Barcelona’s season is close to completion, with aspirations of securing a second-place finish in La Liga all that remain on the club’s agenda now.

As such, the Catalan giants are already making preparations for the upcoming summer transfer window in order to rectify the flaws that led to a trophyless campaign.

Acquiring a competent defensive midfielder who can provide protection to the Barcelona back-line and recycle possession is deemed paramount.

Guido Rodriguez will arrive regardless of a big signing

The signing of Oriol Romeu last summer has particularly proven to be one of Barcelona’s miscalculations, as the Spaniard failed to fill in for Sergio Busquets in the base of midfield.

To make up for their judgment error, Barcelona are looking to part ways with Romeu and bolster the defensive midfield position with more than just one face.

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo Guido Rodriguez will arrive as a replacement for Oriol Romeu, regardless of the big pivot deal.

The Argentine World Cup winner is going to be a free agent this summer and thus would not take a toll on Barcelona’s pocket.

In fact, the Blaugranes were interested in signing him last summer as well but eventually settled for the low-cost option of Romeu.

Oriol Romeu headed for the exit doors. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Who will be Barcelona’s ‘big pivot’ signing?

Many options have piqued Barcelona’s interest, with Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi berthed highest on the club’s wishlist.

Kimmich is expected to be a more cost-friendly option as he enters the final year of his contract, while Zubimendi’s hefty €60 million release clause presents some complications.

Time will tell who the Catalans settle for, but it has become increasingly likely that Guido Rodriguez’s arrival will not imperil the signing of an additional defensive midfielder.