Barcelona close to losing 2 midfield targets as Joao Palhinha signs new contract - reports
Midfield was an area Barcelona were eager to strengthen in the recently concluded summer transfer window.
They lost Sergio Busquets and signed Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City on a free transfer. Despite the German superstar's arrival, Barca were apparently keen to sign another midfielder.
Oriol Romeu (31) was reportedly seen as a major compromise by manager Xavier Hernandez. Hence, one cannot rule out Barcelona from signing another player in midfield in the upcoming transfer windows.
However, they're now close to losing out on two defensive midfield targets — Joao Palhina and Fabricio Diaz. As per Mundo Deportivo (h/t @BarcaUniversal), Diaz is close to joining Al-Gharafa in the Saudi Pro League.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a $6 million agreement has been reached for the 20-year-old Uruguayan to leave Liverpool FC Montevideo. He was pursued by Barcelona and Brighton & Hove Albion but will sign a five-year contract with the Saudi club.
Palhinha, meanwhile, has penned a fresh contract at Craven Cottage, which expires in 2028. As per the Evening Standard, the deal has an option to be extended by a further 12 months.
Bayern Munich were close to signing Palhinha on deadline day, but the £60 million move collapsed, as Fulham couldn't sign a replacement. It remains to be seen if Barca move for other targets next year if they lose out on Palhinha and Diaz.
Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich seems to be one of the players Barca have targeted for the No. 6 position recently.
Reported Barcelona target Joshua Kimmich admires Xavi
Joshua Kimmich has been linked with a move to Barcelona, but their poor finances have prevented the club from making a move for the Bayern Munich star.
Despite missing out on the versatile German star, Xavi is reportedly still keen to sign him, as per Jose Alvarez of El Chiringuito TV (h/t BarcaUniversal). The 28-year-old has now added fuel to the fire by lauding Barca's head coach.
In an interview with Bayern's media team, Kimmich said (h/t Football-Espana):
"Xavi is the example that I follow as a footballer."
Xavi was renowned for his playmaking ability, vision and passing range. Kimmich is also a remarkable passer of the ball and is arguably better than the Spaniard in the defensive aspect of the game.
The former VfB Stuttgart player, whose contract at Bayern expires in 2025, can play as a right-back and defensive midfielder. He has registered 40 goals and 96 assists in 351 games across competitions Bayern since joining them in 2015, winning 20 trophies.