Top four defensive midfielders Barcelona should sign in January

The Spanish club have failed to find an ideal replacement for Sergio Busquets so far.

Ever since Sergio Busquets left Barcelona, the club have been in search of an ideal defensive midfielder to replace the astute midfielder. So far they have failed to identify a player who can succeed the former Spanish international.

Despite having the likes of Frenkie de Jong and now new academy player Marc Bernal being assigned to play in that role, it hasn’t helped a lot. De Jong has failed to fill the shoes of Busquets while Bernal has suffered a fresh injury this season.

Barcelona must sign a proper defensive midfielder if they are to find the balance within the squad. Otherwise, they will continue to suffer due to a lack of connection between the defence and attack. Below we take a look at the top four defensive midfielders Barcelona should sign in January.

4. Alan Varela (FC Porto)

Alan Varela is a calm defender who is already an expert at scanning. He appears to be a future star in this capacity. With a little more polish, Barcelona may elevate him to the level of a premier midfield player.

Varela used to play for the Argentine club Boca Junior before he moved to FC Porto. He has further solidified his position as one of the talented players.

3. Hugo Guillamon (Valencia)

Hugo Guillamon, a centre-back by trade, has been forced into a defensive midfield role in recent years. While his adjustment hasn’t always gone smoothly, the 24-year-old has demonstrated more than enough to persuade Barcelona of his value.

Because of the intense competition in defensive midfield, Guillamon is a fascinating alternative who is frequently employed in defence on the international stage. The Valencia man is smart in control and more than eager to assist in defence.

2. Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)

Few players appear more appropriate for the part than Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. Officials at the club are fully aware of the 25-year-old’s exceptional intelligence and physical attributes. It makes him the kind of player Barcelona wants to develop around.

After months of investigation, they have finally discovered a serious issue with Zubimendi: his release clause. Sociedad will point any potential suitors to his €60 million release clause since they don’t want to let him leave.

1. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Joshua Kimmich connections were the inevitable consequence of Hansi Flick becoming Barcelona’s manager this summer. The German player is still being watched by the Spanish giants. Bayern are reportedly prepared to sell him “for a suitable fee.”

It might be in the neighbourhood of €40 million. The 29-year-old is a playmaker who can play right back and also as a defensive midfielder.

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