The FC Barcelona board seems willing to reactivate the signing of a defensive pivot this summer. At least that's how Deco, the main promoter of this operation, sees it ahead of the final stretch of the summer market. Since the end of May, names like Joshua Kimmich and Amadou Onana, as well as Mikel Merino, have been heard loudly. With the Belgian at Aston Villa and the Basque very close to signing for Arsenal, the Bayern Munich footballer is the only one still available, although his emoluments are too high for the culé salary margin.
In that sense, the scenario can change radically if the departure of one of the 'heavyweights' takes place. In the last few hours, 'SPORT' has leaked Ílkay Gündogan's desire to leave, an operation that would free up a significant amount in terms of salary bill (the '22' bills 15 net 'kilos' per year), in addition to leaving a sum nothing inconsiderable in cash (close to €20M). This, added to the millions pending from the sale of Barça Studios, will mean that Barça can sign under the 1/1 rule.
Doubts about Gündogan's future reopen the debate on the signing of a midfielder
That is why Deco sees it feasible to incorporate another midfielder (preferably a pivot) between now and August 30. The sports director, like Hansi Flick, values the work of the kids (Casadó and Bernal), but understands that, based on the possible departure of Gündogan and the late return of Frenkie de Jong, depending on players like Andreas Christensen and Eric García for the position does not give too many long-term guarantees.
The latest information points to possible interest in N'Golo Kanté, a 'low cost' option well considered by the board and the coaching staff. In any case, the club will not make hasty decisions, since the priority remains to incorporate Nico Williams or, failing that, another winger/forward who avoids depending too much on Robert Lewandowski's goals.
Deco does not rule out going for a left back either
Likewise, Deco does not rule out going for another left-handed back. Alejandro Balde set off the alarm in the second half against Valencia with a muscle puncture that, luckily, was just a scare. The squad only has Héctor Fort as an alternative to '3', waiting for what happens with Joao Cancelo. Thus, the next few weeks promise to be very intense at Can Barça in terms of signings and departures, since the goodbye of discards such as Clément Lenglet is also pending resolution.