Barcelona are reportedly exploring the possibility of pursuing RB Leipzig star Kevin Kampl, who has emerged as an alternative target for Frenkie De Jong.
Spanish publication Sport are claiming that Barcelona will now be shifting their attention to other targets. Frenkie De Jong is not a realistic target anymore, with the Dutchman not moving away from Ajax for atleast the 2018-19 campaign. Barcelona are now looking at RB Leipzig star Kevin Kampl.
Frenkie De Jong was always seen as a priority reinforcement for Barcelona. After all the speculation linking him with a move, the midfielder quashed all such rumours after Ajax’s match against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League qualification phase, stating his desire to stay at Ajax for the coming season.
The Dutch giants would be delighted with the development. Barcelona, on the other hand, would not be, especially with their pursuit of Paul Pogba also not bearing any fruit thus far. There is only a week left till the transfer window deadline, which means Barcelona now have to look at other options. And, RB Leipzig midfielder Kevin Kampl has emerged as one.
Kevin Kampl arrived in Bundesliga with a burgeoning reputation, having won four trophies during his time with Austrian giants RB Salzburg. But, Borussia Dortmund soon offloaded the player to Bayer Leverkusen, where the player spent two seasons before being snapped up by RB Leipzig in the summer of 2017.
The 2017-18 campaign saw Kampl register 27 league appearances for RB Leipzig, with most of them coming in the central midfield position. There has been interest from Atletico Madrid in the current transfer window, with Barcelona the latest to enter the fray.
The player is one of the regular faces for Leipzig. But, he might just be expendable, should a worthy offer come in.
Barcelona are not in urgent need of midfielders. But, they will be in a spot of bother should PSG come swooping in for Ivan Rakitic, with a €90 million bid mooted. Kampl might not have the biggest profile. But, being a regular for RB Leipzig means he has had experience, at least for a year, of challenging for top honours.
Kevin Kampl can play at the base of a three-man midfield, which means the star will likely be used as a rotation option for Sergio Busquets. With the Spaniard reaching a certain age, Ernesto Valverde will have to use Busquets wisely and provide adequate rest in order to bring the best out of him.
