Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City are reportedly locked in a three-way tussle for Borussia Dortmund star Julian Weigl.
Spanish publication Sport have claimed that the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City are all heavily invested in the pursuit of Julian Weigl.
Julian Weigl is a 21-year-old industrious holding midfielder who has been labelled by the media as the next Sergio Busquets. The similarity in playing style and the ability to mop up everything ahead of the defence while also being a steady part of the buildup is also striking.
Weigl arrived at Borussia Dortmund from 1860 Munich for a measly sum of €2.5 million at the beginning of the summer transfer window of the 2015-16 season. In his second season at the Signal Iduna Park, the youngster has already established himself as a regular for the Yellow Brigade.
The holding midfielder has featured in 15 of Dortmund’s 16 Bundesliga outings while missing just 1 of their Champions League group stage fixtures this season. And while the return of 1 goal and no assist can be construed otherwise, it isn’t much of a surprise if you consider the position he plays and the demands of his role.
Weigl has even broken into the senior setup of Germany and has been harbouring interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid and others. All the speculation linking him to a move away from the Signal Iduna were laid to rest as the 21-year-old signed a new long-term deal at Dortmund, which runs till 2021.
But, as per the latest reports, the new contract has not deterred Barcelona and Real Madrid in their pursuit of Weigl. While Barcelona want a long-term replacement for the ageing Busquets, who is now 28 and pushing towards the thirtees, Real Madrid have reportedly already reached an agreement with Dortmund, securing first rights for Weigl.
But another club seems to have joined the fray. Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola is looking to bring Weigl to the Etihad and has signaled his Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain of his wish. Barcelona’s sporting director Robert Fernandez has also marked Weigl as a priority signing.
With the player boasting exquisite technique and command on the ball, it would suit both Barcelona and Manchester City. The Citizens have foiled many potential transfers for Barcelona in the recent past, cue Nolito and Gabriel Jesus, and could be tempted to do the same again.
Whether Weigl would choose to leave Dortmund is a different story altogether. But the interest in the 21-year-old from the top clubs of European football looks serious, and it is a matter of when and not if.
