Barcelona’s financial troubles have been well documented in recent years - but with Lionel Messi linked with a return, the Spanish giants could be set for a summer of upheaval. If Messi does somehow return to Catalonia, the club will undoubtedly have to shift a number of players to cover the cost of his wages.
This has of course led to numerous Barcelona players being linked with moves away – including ex-Leeds United winger Raphinha, who has reportedly caught the interest of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle. But are there any other Barcelona players that Newcastle should be targeting?
Here are some of the names the United hierarchy could consider.
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Ansu Fati
With the Magpies seemingly wanting to strengthen their depth on the wing, Dan Ashworth may be better off targeting a different Barcelona winger – namely Ansu Fati. At just 20-years-old and with bags of potential Fati could be a smart pick-up for the Magpies and the winger’s game time this season suggests he could be gettable come the summer.
Making only made eleven starts in the league this season, Fati has struggled to get into the rhythm of things this season – only scoring four goals in the league. The underlying stats however suggest that the Spaniard may be ready to explode if given the chance. Fati ranks in the top five per cent of forwards (across Europe’s top five leagues) for both shots per 90 and progressive carries per 90.
Eddie Howe will also love the fact the winger is a hard worker, ranking in the top 5% of forwards for both blocks per 90 and ball recoveries per 90. The only thing that may deter a move for Fati is his patchy injury record, having suffered two major injuries in the past two years. If Ashworth and Newcastle are willing to look past that though, Fati would clearly be an extremely exciting acquisition for the Magpies.
Franck Kessie
Another Barcelona player that Newcastle may look at in the summer is Franck Kessie. Previously linked with clubs such as Spurs before his Barca move, Kessie’s time in Barcelona has not gone to plan.
Since moving to Catalonia on a free from AC Milan last summer, Kessie has failed to displace the likes of Pedri and Gavi, only making five league starts this season. Despite his limited game-time, the Ivorian is clearly still a talented player shown by the fact he ranks in the top 9% of midfielders for touches in the opposition’s penalty box aswell as ranking in the top 14% of midfielders for non-penalty goals per 90.
If Howe and his staff are looking to bolster up their midfield options ahead of a busy campaign next season, Kessie would be a smart and viable option.
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