Barcelona will reportedly launch a summer move for 20-year-old VfB Stuttgart midfield sensation Raul Paula, a target for Liverpool.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Raul Paula is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The reigning La Liga champions are in the market for a long-term successor to Ilkay Gundogan. The 20-year-old VfB Stuttgart midfield sensation, a target for Liverpool, has thus emerged as a target.
Who is Raul Paula?
Raul Paula has been a journeyman within Germany throughout his formative years. A native of Boblingen, the German midfield sensation is primarily a no. 10 but can play as a box-to-box midfielder and a left-winger. Meanwhile, he represented six clubs in his youth career, graduating from the VfB Stuttgart youth division.
The 20-year-old currently turns out for Stuttgart’s reserve side and is enjoying an excellent 2023/24 campaign. He has amassed 13 goals and five assists in 21 appearances thus far this term. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs.
Reports last year linked Raul Paula with Real Madrid. Other European bigwigs like Bayern Munich are also keen on signing him. But Barcelona and Liverpool will likely compete for his signature in the summer transfer window.
Barcelona, Liverpool Want Raul Paula
Barcelona’s interest in Paula is understandable, considering Ilkay Gundogan is on the wrong side of 30. While the former Manchester City captain has been an exceptional performer this season, he is approaching the final phase of his glittering career. So, it behoves Barcelona to start planning for life after Gundogan. And the VfB Stuttgart whizkid can learn the ropes from his compatriot before becoming a first-choice player.
As for Liverpool, the Reds need a holding midfielder more than an attacking midfielder. Nonetheless, they are keen on signing the 20-year-old German midfield sensation in the summer transfer window. And the Liverpool project is always attractive for highly-rated prospects.
It will be interesting to see where Raul Paula lands in the summer transfer window if he leaves VfB Stuttgart in the summer transfer window. But staying at the Bundesliga club might also be a sensible option for the young midfield prospect.
