Barcelona is looking to strengthen their squad in the upcoming transfer window, with reports linking them to high-profile players, particularly in midfield.
However, internal disagreements within the club are complicating the potential moves, as many players believe bringing in another big-name midfielder is unnecessary at this time.
According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Pedri Gonzalez, along with several of his teammates, is actively working with Barcelona’s sporting director Deco to convince the club’s management to abandon the pursuit of Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich.
The German international, whose contract with Bayern Munich expires in June 2024, is widely expected to leave the club. Kimmich has garnered interest from top European teams, including Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSG, Inter Milan, Arsenal, and Manchester City. Despite this competition,
Barcelona had emerged as a strong contender for his signature, particularly due to the influence of former Bayern coach Hansi Flick, who is reportedly pushing for Kimmich to join the Catalan side.
However, a faction within Barcelona’s dressing room, led by Pedri, Gavi, and several other key players, views Kimmich’s signing as unnecessary. They argue that the club already has sufficient talent in midfield and should prioritize developing their young players.
Rising stars like Marc Casado, who has delivered impressive performances in midfield following Sergio Busquets’ departure, are seen as more than capable of filling the void. Casado’s emergence has significantly reduced the urgency for a high-profile signing like Kimmich.
Other young talents, such as Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde, and Pau Coparsi, have also voiced their preference for promoting youth development rather than investing heavily in an established player.
Pedri and his teammates reportedly see Kimmich’s potential signing as more of a personal suggestion from Flick rather than a strategic necessity for the team.
Additionally, signing Kimmich would require a substantial financial commitment, including a significant salary increase, which does not align with Barcelona’s current financial strategy. Given their recent financial struggles, the club is keen to avoid unnecessary expenditures.
Barcelona also has another promising prospect in Marc Bernal, a standout midfielder from their famed La Masia academy. While Bernal is currently recovering from a knee injury, he is expected to return soon and could provide further depth to the midfield.
This growing consensus among Barcelona’s players highlights their belief that the team’s focus should remain on nurturing its talented youth, rather than pursuing costly external solutions.
