Barcelona have reportedly rekindled their interest in Borussia Dortmund star Julian Weigl, with the Catalans ready to fork out £21 million to land him.
According to Daily Mail, Barcelona have once again set their sights on Julian Weigl. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who was linked with a switch to Camp Nou three years ago, is now being identified as a potential summer target, with the club ready to a sanction a £21 million move next summer.
It is believed that Barcelona are keen on strengthening their midfield options next summer. Arturo Vidal is expected to leave the club in the upcoming January transfer window in search of regular game-time.
As for Carles Alena, he hasn’t been given much recognition by Ernesto Valverde and is likely not considered as a viable option by the coach. It was rumoured that the club are reportedly ready to ship Alena out to the Premier League on loan in January.
That being said, Barcelona’s interest in Weigl still comes as a shock given the fact that the midfielder’s rapid progress has come to a halt ever since the departure of Thomas Tuchel. Coaches like Peter Bosz, Peter Stoger and Lucien Favre have not been able to bring the best out of him.
As a result, Dortmund opted to sign the likes of Thomas Delaney and Axel Witsel. At the same time, however, Weigl has not given up hope and has done relatively well to add new dimensions to his game.
For example, the ex-1860 Munich star is now much more versatile. He has already appeared as a centre-back numerous times under Favre. In addition, he is much more physically competent and aggressive while he also likes to attack more.
Weigl’s improvement has already rewarded him with a more prominent role in Dortmund side this season. He has featured in ten league games this season and his presence has been crucial when players like Delaney or Manuel Akanji have been ruled out injured.
Hence, it might not be a bad idea for Barcelona to invest in Weigl in the summer. The German international can provide the much-needed depth in midfield. He also fits in well, tactically, as his proficiency in distributing possession could make him an alternative to ageing Sergio Busquets.
Besides, one would argue that Weigl’s style of play is much more suited to Barcelona’s possession-based game rather than Dortmund’s intense pressing under Favre. And, at the age of 24, the midfielder would provide some prospect for the future, unlike Vidal and Ivan Rakitic, both of whom are nearing the end of their respective careers.
However, it remains to be seen whether or not Dortmund will be willing to offload Weigl next summer. Current coach Favre’s future still hangs in the balance, and a potential managerial turnover could once again put the midfielder in a delicate situation.
