Barcelona will have to cough up €50 million to sign 29-year-old Slovakian midfielder Stanislav Lobotka from Serie A club Napoli.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Stanislav Lobotka is keen on joining Barcelona and has expressed his admiration towards the Catalan club. Meanwhile, Xavi Hernandez holds the 29-year-old in high regard. But the Blaugrana will have to fork out €50 million to sign the midfielder from Serie A champions Napoli in the summer transfer window.
Stanislav Lobotka and his Italian journey
Stanislav Lobotka has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A since joining Napoli from Celta Vigo in January 2020. The Slovak has come leaps and bounds in the last four years and played a pivotal role in the Partenopei lifting the Scudetto after over three decades in the 2022/23 season.
While the reigning Serie A champions have faltered this season, Lobotka has been excellent thus far this term. The 29-year-old has been an ever-present in the middle of the park, turning out 40 times across all competitions while amassing over 3,000 minutes of game time. But he faces an uncertain future at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
The Slovakian international’s top-notch performances for Napoli have piqued the interest of several high-profile clubs. Barcelona might be his next destination, with Lobotka expressing his admiration for the Catalan club. In addition, Xavi Hernandez rates the player highly. Meanwhile, Napoli will demand €50 million to part ways with him in the summer transfer window.
Barcelona Calling?
Stanislav Lobotka can be a viable solution in the middle of the park for Barcelona. The reigning La Liga champions have a gaping hole in the midfield unit since the departure of Sergio Busquets in last summer’s transfer window. Barcelona had signed Oriol Romeu as a stopgap fix to the issues.
However, the veteran Spanish midfielder has not made his mark for Barcelona and will likely depart from the club in the summer transfer window. So, the Catalan giants need to sign a holding midfielder, with several candidates, including Sofyan Amrabat, emerging on their radar. But Lobotka is also an option worth considering.
The 29-year-old is at the peak of his powers and can be a long-term solution for Barcelona. €50 million is a fair price for the qualities he will bring to the table for the Blaugrana. Meanwhile, his previous experience in La Liga can help him settle down quickly at the club.
