Eriksen, Gündoğan or Pjanić : Who is the right option for Barcelona?
Most likely, Barcelona will invest the Griezmann funds into a midfielder
The biggest problem that Barcelona currently have is neither lack of talent up front nor the decline of Luis Suárez, it is filling the void left by the departure of two of the club’s greatest players, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, and the club has the funds allocated to sign Antoine Griezmann.
The required profile for a potential signing is more similar to that of Xavi than Iniesta. In reality, Xavi was never fully replaced while Iniesta had a ready-made replacement in the form of Philippe Coutinho, who was specifically signed to act as his successor.
The club has shortlisted three players, none of whom neither will be inexpensive nor will be uncomplicated. They all play for top European clubs, who will be relentless in negotiations because these players are key in their first-team.
The most obvious option is Juventus playmaker Miralem Pjanić, who’s playing style is highly similar to that of Xavi. He has performed consistently under Massimiliano Allegri since he arrived from Roma on a €32 million deal two seasons ago.
But Juventus are looking to revamp their midfield this season. They are close to bringing in free agent Emre Can, while they are also targeting Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić. And Pjanić may not have a future part in Allegri’s plans.
Juventus have slapped a €70 million price tag on the Bosnian, which would allow them to more than double their money while getting a huge donation in the fund for Milinković-Savić. Pjanić is the perfect option as successor to Xavi, but he is 28, and he will not be in his prime for a long time.
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The second option is a player whose links to Barcelona had been terminated two years ago, when he chose to move to Manchester City to work under Pep Guardiola from Borussia Dortmund. But İlkay Gündoğan is back in the picture for a move to the Camp Nou.
Last season, he made 42 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City. But he is still behind the likes of Fernandinho and Kevin de Bruyne in the pecking starts, having started in only half the number of games he has played.
While Gündoğan is more comparable to Paulinho in terms of his playing style, he might still be able to adapt and excel under Ernesto Valverde, who implements tactics that suit his game more than Luis Enrique.
Once, the 27-year old German midfielder was interested in a move to Barcelona. But now that he is trying to establish himself at the Etihad, it will be harder. But considering that he is still not an undisputed starter, unlike Miralem Pjanić, he is the cheapest option available to the club.
The third, and final option, is not a player fitting in with the required profile. He is the most expensive player to be shortlisted by the management, and a long-time target for the club, and he is also the hardest to sign.
Christian Eriksen would be a brilliant addition to the squad. He can play in central midfield, on the flanks and even up front if required. He is versatile, has great vision, is an immaculate passer of the ball and is a great finisher.
But Tottenham will ask for a lot for the 26-year old Danish playmaker, even if the club offers André Gomes in exchange for his signature. And that amount will exceed the fee that the club would need to pay for either Pjanić or Gündoğan.
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In terms of quality and usefulness for the squad, Christian Eriksen remains the best option. But if the required profile is taken into consideration, the club should target Gündoğan instead of Pjanić, because he is younger and less expensive.