While Inaki Pena has stepped up in goal for the Catalan giants, the club is keeping a close eyes on various options Incase of a delay in the return of its captain among those mentioned is David De Gea. The Spanish goal keeper has been a free agent after failing to secure a renewal at Manchester United back in the summer. Whilst Barcelona are certain of a successful surgery for their number 1 Goalie having a backup plan doesn’t seem to be a bad idea considering the quality of David De Gea who has also attracted interest from Newcastle United.
Upfront, Barcelona are in dire need of a boost considering Robert Lewandowski slow start to the season. The polish talisman has failed to live up to expectations this season thereby attracting criticism about his game. While Xavi has not been privileged to have a natural No9 to fill in for the polish forward yet, the Barcelona manager would be delighted to welcome Barça’s big summer signing Vitor Roque with the Brazilian forward said to arrive even before the new year.
The search for Gavi’s replacement continues to be an issue within the club. While Barcelona has made a stance to avoid making additions to the squad as a result of desperation, the prevention of further injury to the likes of Pedri and Gundogan as a result of overload proves to be a worry. Xavi ideal midfield addition remain Lo Celso, the Argentine midfielder who seemed to be out of the plans at Spurs, began to impress due to the absence of an injured James Maddison. Those in charge of Tottenham Hotspur are keen to retain the services of the Argentine international having seen him step up in recent matches. Donny Van de Beek of Manchester United and Alex Baena are also seen as options within the club, though the latter seem to be a difficult deal to pull off with Villarreal unwilling to discuss a fee below €30M. However reports from SPORTS suggest Donny Van de beek has offered himself to FC Barcelona. The Dutch midfielder was a target under previous manager Ronald Koeman but he opted for a move to England where he has failed to impress. Desperate to rejuvenate his career, the former Ajax star is keen on a move to Barcelona hoping to rekindle his form which made him one of the most sort after midfielder in world football a couple years back.
Meanwhile, La Masia prodigies like Marc Bernal, Quim Juyent, and Pocho Roman has been called up to train with the first team squad as Xavi continues to assess talents from within Barcelona to replace the missing Gavi. Also, Pau Curbasi and Diego Kochen has been called up to fill in for injured senior players like Marc Andre Ter Stegen and Inigo Martinez.
