Barcelona is said to be tracking a top Premier League midfielder as a potential replacement for Frenkie de Jong, if the Dutchman continues to be uncertain about his future.
There are reports that the Catalan giants see the player as an excellent fit for Hansi Flick’s system, both technically and tactically, as well as having all the physical maturity to play in their midfield.
Given the uncertainty surrounding De Jong’s contract situation, Barcelona is looking at alternatives, and the unnamed star has emerged as a prime target.
The 23-year-old has been under the watch of Barcelona’s scouting department for years, as they have tracked his career from early in his career in Italy.
Sporting director Deco believes the player could be the solution for the club’s midfield in the long term, which gives both defensive security and an ability to play line-breaking and progressive passes, which aligns all nicely with Barcelona’s tempo and possession style of play.
It would be a beautiful, symbiotic partnership with Pedri and with youngsters like Marc Casado and Marc Bernal in the various deeper roles.
The only thing still to be resolved is the financial position of the operations.
The player is Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, a €45 million-rated talent and a Magpies player from big bucks last summer, according to Fichajes.
The high wages very much complicate those negotiations, while the player is reluctant to change the terms of his contract, which leaves the door open for an exit.
If De Jong left, however, Barcelona could use that money to bring Tonali in, with the view that he is a natural successor as a midfield anchor.
Although we must stress that no official talks, it is understood that Barcelona is laying the foundations for a move to happen.
In any case, Newcastle United are unlikely to let Tonali go on the cheap.
This means that any deal would need to be organised financially and not rushed, given the circumstances.
For now, it is all speculation, but Tonali is an interesting option as Barcelona prepares for life beyond De Jong.
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