Barcelona need another defensive midfielder and have Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez on their radar, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Argentine international is a perfect candidate for the Catalan club as he has only one year left on his deal with Betis.
Barca are in financial turmoil that saw them mostly sign free agents this summer, and they will likely have to make the same moves next summer.
Rodriguez is a target for Barca as they look for competition for Oriol Romeu.
Romeu has been a pleasant surprise for Barca, but there is no direct competition for his role, forcing Xavi Hernandez to conserve him.
While Frenkie De Jong and Ilkay Gundogan can occasionally fill his boots, they do not have his ball-winning prowess.
Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich and Rodriguez are on Barca’s wish list, with the latter topping it due to his free agent status in 2024.
Zubimendi rejected Barca’s approach this summer despite Xavi being very keen on him, and Kimmich is an expensive asset despite falling out with manager Thomas Tuchel.
This has left Barcelona planning a swoop for Guido Rodriguez ahead of next summer as they hope he will not sign a new deal between now and then.
Rodriguez is an adept ball-winner who excels at breaking up opposition attacks and keeping the ball moving.
He is in the 98th percentile amongst midfielders in the top five European leagues for tackles per 90 (3.65). He also ranks admirably for interceptions, blocks, clearances and aerial duels.
His pass completion numbers are serviceable, and he can work on making more progressive actions rather than just playing it safe.
Rodriguez could be another shrewd addition to this Barca squad as they battle their financial woes and look to compete on domestic and European fronts in seasons to come.
