Barcelona's Midfield Gamble Continues As Defensive Anchor Subject Remains Unresolved

Written by Olaleye Oluwadamilola

Barcelona’s failure to progress beyond the Champions League Round of 16 and their subsequent La Liga title loss can be largely attributed to their midfield struggles. Both former manager Xavi Hernandez and current boss Hansi Flick have highlighted the need for a defensive midfielder capable of linking play.

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Despite identifying this crucial gap, the Catalan giants appear set to overlook the position once again.

After failed attempts to sign Amadou Onana and Joshua Kimmich, Barcelona has opted to pursue attacking options in Nico Williams or Dani Olmo. Reports suggest Flick may experiment with academy talents or even deploy Andreas Christensen in midfield.

This decision marks a second consecutive summer without a direct replacement for Sergio Busquets, raising concerns about the team’s ability to control matches effectively.

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Barcelona may revisit the issue of a defensive midfielder in January, but their primary focus remains securing Dani Olmo. Manager Hansi Flick believes the squad is overpopulated in midfield, limiting their options. A departure, potentially involving Frenkie de Jong or Ilkay Gundogan, would have freed up funds for both a midfielder and an attacker.

Mikel Merino was an alternative target, but Barcelona have cooled their interest, leaving Atletico Madrid and Arsenal to battle for his signature.

The club’s decision to enter a second consecutive summer without a direct Busquets replacement is baffling. While Barcelona boast midfield talent and financial resources, the lack of a true defensive anchor remains a glaring issue.

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