La Liga heavyweights Barcelona have reportedly identified Zenit St Petersburg’s Brazilian midfielder Wendel as an alternative to Joshua Kimmich.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Wendel is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The Catalan giants have been keen on signing a midfielder in the summer transfer window, with Joshua Kimmich their preferred target. The Brazilian midfielder has now emerged as an alternative, with Zenit St Petersburg demanding around €20 million to part ways with him.
Who is Wendel?
Marcus Wendel Valle da Silva, better known as Wendel, has made considerable progress since joining Zenit St Petersburg from Sporting CP in October 2020. A native of Duque de Caxias, he spent his formative years in his homeland, graduating from the youth division at Fluminense.
Wendel’s first adventure in Europe came with Sporting CP, although his stock has risen during his spell with Zenit St Petersburg. The 26-year-old contributed to 14 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions by finding the back of the net four times and providing ten assists.
The Brazilian midfielder has started the 24/25 season with a bang, scoring once and providing two assists in his only appearance thus far. Meanwhile, Wendel’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, with Barcelona among his prospective suitors in the summer transfer window.
Barcelona move on the horizon?
Barcelona’s interest in Wendel is understandable. The Catalan giants have been scouring the market for a versatile midfielder who can reprise defensive-minded roles heading into the summer transfer window after failing to fill the void left by the departure of Sergio Busquets last year. Joshua Kimmich had thus emerged as the top target for Barcelona.
However, Barcelona will unlikely have the funds to afford a move for Kimmich. In addition, other targets like Martin Zubimendi and Amadou Onana are too expensive. The Brazilian midfielder has thus emerged as a viable alternative to Kimmich, with Zenit St Petersburg demanding around €20 million to part ways with him in the summer transfer window.
Wendel’s price tag of €20 million makes him an appealing target, especially considering his productivity. However, Barcelona might have other alternatives, including Lamine Camara, as they look to bolster their midfield unit.
