Barcelona linked with midfielder in Russia as economic alternative

Barcelona have been linked with a number of midfielders in recent months, as they look to strengthen the area, but what budget they will have to do so is as of yet uncertain. The latest to be linked to them has a €20m asking price.

The Blaugrana seem to have made the forward position on the left their priority and that runs through Nico Williams currently. Once that deal is done or not, Barcelona will turn their attentions to the midfield, where they want a more physical and defensively sound option. Sport-Express, as quoted by Sport, say that Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder Wendel is one of the options on their shortlist. They say he is preferred to the likes of Guido Rodriguez, who they had agreed a deal for, but decided to back out.

Galatasaray are also interested, but are not willing to meet Zenit’s demands. The 26-year-old moved to Zenit for about the same fee in 2020 for about the same fee, and has 26 goals and 25 assists in his 124 appearances for Zenit. With no other information backing up their interest, it is worth taking it with a pinch of salt. No doubt Barcelona are expanding their search criteria, but signing a player who is not ready to start for Barcelona would be a waste for this side.