Who is the perfect pivot for Barcelona?

So Xavi has now decided that he wants to stay put at Barcelona and the club can at least move forward quicker than they might otherwise have been able to with regards to identifying their summer transfer targets.

There’s no doubt whatsoever that the absolute priority must be a pivot to help Xavi retain some sort of midfield control in games.

In a number of matches during 2023/24, Barca have been found wanting in that area of the pitch, with the hire of former player, Oriol Romeu turning out to be nothing short of a disaster.

Having a decent pivot will be a game changer for Xavi, and whilst whomever comes in will not get to Sergio Busquets’ level of excellence, they might get close.

There are four players rumoured to fit the bill, though finances might well dictate who Barca can go after.

Joshua Kimmich

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Xavi is known to admire Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich and with good reason.

The 29-year-old German has made the pivot position his own at the Bavarian giants and having been schooled initially by Pep Guardiola, he’ll be well versed in how Barcelona would expect him to play.

Thomas Tuchel leaving could prove to be a stumbling block as Bayern’s new man in charge – expected to be Ralf Rangnick – may not be keen to allow Kimmich to move on, even though his contract runs out in 2025.

The other issue for Barcelona will be cost, as Bayern aren’t likely to let Kimmich go on the cheap despite his contract situation and advancing years.

Guido Rodriguez

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The Argentinian is available on a free transfer from Real Betis this summer, and on that basis alone he could prove attractive to the Blaugranes.

A player that is decent enough without being brilliant, he is experienced enough to do the job but Barcelona’s board will need to question whether signing another player that’s 30 or older is a good move for them at this point?

Amadou Onana

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An absolute powerhouse of a player that has dominated Everton’s midfield since joining.

His athletic ability isn’t in question, nor is the fact that he’s able to get up and down the pitch with ease from first minute to last.

Whilst the Toffees aren’t a one-man team, he’s often been the one to hold things together in the middle of the park.

Won’t shirk a tackle, works hard in every game and is just 22 years of age.

With Everton now apparently safe from relegation, however, will he choose to stay in the Premier League?

Marc Bernal

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The most unlikely of the four here – for now – is 16-year-old Marc Bernal.

He’s certainly making a name for himself under Rafa Marquez, to the extent where Xavi apparently sees him as the longer-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.

Although the first-team coach is clearly fond of youth, throwing Bernal in at this point, in such an important position and at this stage of his career might not be the wisest decision.

Who would you choose out of the above quartet? Perhaps you’d choose someone else entirely? Let me know in the comments.