After the conclusion of international tournaments like Euro 2024 and Copa America, the club football is ready to spread its colors to football fans. The summer transfer window is going hot currently, as some of the best transfer prospects are up in the window. From Nico Williams to Alvaro Morata to many stars, the 2024 transfer event is in full swing.
According to some reports, there was news that Barca might consider selling Ilkay Gundogan this summer. Though the veteran's caliber and leadership have never been an issue, his willingness to leave the club might fuel his transfer. While the talks were still in the preliminary stage, Barca seriously needed options to bolster their current midfield, even if Gundogan stays.
Barca consider Mikel Merino to reinforce their midfield
Barca is facing multiple injuries at the moment, with players like De Jong, Pedri, and Gavi out due to injury. Thus, Barca needs some midfield stability to face their opponents until this trio returns to the field for them. Regarding the same, recent reports from Mundo Deportivo suggest that Barca look at Mikel Merino as their number one option to bolster their midfield.
Though talks regarding Merino's transfer are not new in the Catalan camp, the intensity of his Barcelona move may feel different at the moment. Merino, who had an incredible Euro triumph campaign with Spain, might be the ideal candidate to fill in Barca's midfield. Being a pivot, the player possesses exquisite ball control skills along with unquestionable passing.
Moreover, his goal-scoring ability is a cherry on his transfer profile. No one would have forgotten the Spanish midfielder's late header in the 119th minute of the quarterfinal goal against Germany, which sealed the semifinal berth for Spain. Not only does it show the player's utility to find passes in tight positions, but it also shows the player's clutch abilities.
Mikel Merino has an advantage over the rumors regarding Dani Olmo and others, as the player has already proven his mettle in La Liga, where the Catalan club might find them most of the time. Thus, while talks about his transfer are still in the ongoing process, Barca hopes that they manage to bring in the Spanish midfielder as a part of their next season roster.