Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester City among clubs interested in 21-year-old Ukrainian midfielder – report

Apart from wanting to sign a new pivot midfielder in the summer, Barcelona could also look for an interior midfielder, especially if they end up parting ways with Frenkie de Jong.

The name of Girona star Aleix Garcia has been heavily linked with a move to Barça in recent weeks. The Spaniard has previously expressed his desire to play for the Blaugrana and is a financially viable target for the club.

However, it does not hurt Barcelona to keep other options as possible alternatives, and as such they could be looking at a Ukrainian talent as a backup.

Barcelona eyeing Georgiy Sudakov

Indeed, as per Italian publication Calciomercato, Barcelona are among a host of top clubs interested in Shakhtar Donetsk and Ukraine international midfielder Georgiy Sudakov.

Sudakov, 21, came through the ranks at Shakhtar Donetsk and has grown into one of their most pivotal players. To date, he has managed 85 senior appearances for the Ukrainian champions, registering 13 goals and assists apiece.

Barcelona witnessed first-hand the talent that he possesses when the two teams met in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League this season, with Sudakov even scoring a goal at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic.

A dynamic, 21-year-old attacking midfielder who is versatile and can chip in with goal contributions, is bound to appeal to Barcelona.

Lots of competition

However, Barcelona are not the only club interested in Sudakov as two Premier League heavyweights, Liverpool and Manchester City, are also said to be keen on the 21-year-old.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich from Germany as well as Italian giants Napoli and Inter Milan are also looking at the Ukrainian international as a possible target.

Shakhtar handed Sudakov a new long-term contract earlier this month, which saw him commit to his boyhood club until 2028. The deal also includes a mammoth release clause worth €150 million.

Given the finances involved and the amount of competition, it is unlikely that Barcelona will pursue Sudakov with great intent in the summer.