A recent report from SPORT has offered an update on Barcelona’s policies in the transfer market this summer.
The club have roped in Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez, but have similarly missed out on a few of the star talents, including Arda Guler. The young Turk has recently opted to join Real Madrid ahead of a move to Camp Nou.
SPORT suggests Barcelona have not given up on the market. They are expected to make moves for a new right-back and a defensive midfielder, as Xavi Hernandez looks to improve the overall quality of the team.
One of the players Barcelona have on their radars is Gerard Gumbau. The former La Masia midfielder is being targeted as a cost-effective option as Barça look to find a short-term replacement for the outgoing Sergio Busquets.
The Catalans have been linked with a move for Oriol Romeu recently, but the Girona star is likely to command a fee of €8 million. While Barcelona can afford the move, they do not want to spend €8 million on a player who will turn 32 later this year.
Gumbau, in contrast, is available on a free transfer this summer, having run down his contract at Elche on June 30. The Spaniard is coming on the back of a positive season at Elche, notably racking up six assists in 35 league matches.
At the age of 28, Gumbau is at the peak of his career. Having played in Barcelona’s youth team in the past and made nine senior appearances for the Blaugrana, he is also well aware of the club’s style of play, which should bode well for Xavi Hernandez.
This, coupled with the prospect of a free transfer, makes Gumbau an ideal cost-effective alternative for the Catalans this summer.
However, Barcelona must take into account Gumbau’s lack of experience at the highest level of football, which in turn, also makes him a risky target, especially if the club are to find a quality replacement for Busquets.
