After failing to secure the services of Paul Pogba, Barcelona have set their sights on Sergej-Milinkovic Savic, who could cost them around €100 million.
According to Don Balon, FC Barcelona are mulling over a move for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as they aim to bolster their midfield this summer. The Lazio midfielder has attracted the interest of a host of top clubs across Europe, including Manchester United. But, Lazio could face a battle to keep hold of their star player with Barcelona now vesting a keen interest in the Serbian international.
Barcelona’s interest in Milinkovic-Savic originally stem from their failure of signing Paul Pogba. The Spanish champions have learned that it is practically impossible for them to sign Pogba, largely due to Jose Mourinho’s persistence in working with the Frenchman after he played a pivotal role in France’s World Cup triumph earlier this summer.
Furthermore, selling Pogba will also hand the Red Devils very little time to sign the desired replacement with the transfer market in England slamming shut this Thursday afternoon. As a result, Barcelona have shifted their attention to a more gettable target in the shape of Milinkovic-Savic.
Although a host of clubs have tried to lure the midfielder away from Stadio Olimpico this summer, they have failed to do so. However, Barcelona are definitely in with a chance given their resources and the fact that the player, himself, will be keen to don the fabled Blaugrana shirt.
Milinkovic-Savic, known for his all-round qualities in midfield, could be an ideal signing for the Cules, despite the fact that they have already signed Bayern Munich superstar Arturo Vidal earlier this week. The Serbian’s ability to not just circulate the play but also to march forward with impeccable speed will add an extra dimension to Barca’s midfield.
He could be deployed alongside Sergio Busquets and Vidal in a 4-3-3 formation, where he can use his craft and industry to create space for other attackers and play a key role in their transition play while the duo of Busquets and Vidal could use their intelligence and sheer physical prowess in order to dominate the opposing midfield. Thus, Milinkovic-Savic is a viable option for the Spanish champions.
In fact, they also seemed to have gotten their stamp of approval from Lionel Messi himself, who believes Milinkovic-Savic could indeed be an ideal fit for the club, as per the aforementioned report.
Thus, it only seems sensible for the Catalan giants to make a move for the Serbian midfielder as soon as possible as they aim to make a statement in Europe next season. But, it remains to be seen if Lazio can remain stubborn and hold on to their prized asset even when a giant like Barcelona come calling.
