Three ‘top’ pivot midfielders Barcelona are considering for the summer – report

With Xavi Hernandez’s continuity as the manager of FC Barcelona for next season now confirmed, the focus has rapidly shifted to the club’s transfer strategy for the summer.

A new pivot midfielder is understood to be at the top of the priority list for the Catalan heavyweights for the summer transfer window.

However, what player they go after will largely be dictated by the financial situation of the club.

Efforts are being made to return to the 1:1 Financial Fair Play rule which would allow Barcelona to operate with greater freedom in the market.

In that scenario, SPORT reports that Barcelona would be looking at three ‘top’, albeit potentially ‘expensive’ options to reinforce the pivot position.

Martin Zubimendi

The Real Sociedad midfielder has a contract until 2027 with a €60 million clause that is affordable for a big club. Xavi has him at the top of his wishlist and tried to sign him last summer, but without any luck.

Zubimendi is happy at Real Sociedad, but he is not closing any future doors either. Barcelona remain interested and plan to go after him if the financial situation is favourable.

Joshua Kimmich

The proven Bayern Munich player is under contract for only one more year, until 2025 and a renewal has not progressed yet. As such, the 29-year-old’s future depends on whether he signs his contract with the Bavarian club or accepts a transfer.

Kimmich remains on Barcelona’s agenda. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Although he only has one season left, Bayern Munich are tough negotiators, as Barcelona found out with Lewandowski, and his transfer could cost between €70-80 million.

Douglas Luiz

Apart from Zubimendi and Kimmich, who are Xavi’s most preferred options, Barcelona have a new name on their agenda in Douglas Luiz. The 25-year-old’s reputation has shot up after a fine season at Aston Villa.

The Brazilian came to Europe through Manchester City, who loaned him to Girona, and finally sold him to Villa for about €16 million. His price has risen a lot due to his performance in England and his market value is close to €70 million.