Xavi Hernandez has recently left Barcelona to join the Qatari football club, Al Sadd SC. He may leave, but the legacy he left behind in Nou Camp, will last for generations. Xavi was the most decorated player for Barcelona. He signed off in a best possible way, by lifting the Champions League title in Berlin in a great passion. With Xavi’s absence in the heart of the Barcelona’s midfield, an enormous void was created for the Catalans. Barcelona need to fill the blank immediately, but to suggest that player would be a direct replacement for Xavi Hernandez, is pushing it somewhat.
We have looked over five players who might step into Xavi’s shoes. Barcelona would be planning to organize the midfield in such a manner that would definitely suit for a Champions league winner. So, Let’s have a look-
5 potential replacements of Xavi in Barcelona:
1. Denis Suarez
Denis Suarez has really found his feet in La Liga for Sevilla over the past 12 months in the last season. He was sent on loan to play in Sevilla as a part of the deal that brought Ivan Rakitic to Nou Camp. Suarez proved himself as a great attacking midfielder back in Andalusia. But the loan contract still to go on for another year and it would not be easy for Barcelona to bring him back. However, it is not impossible for a club like Barcelona.
The Catalans has already built up a healthy relationship with Sevilla, signing Aleix Vidal in the most recent time from Sevilla. Denis Suarez has the potential to become successful in Barca, much like Gerard Deulofeu, who was given much the same opportunities. He could be a better replacement for Xavi, as during his time with Barcelona B,he used to take the midfield responsibility quite successfully.
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2. Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba, the French midfielder appears the most likely to be signed by Barcelona this summer. Already some initiatives are taken to grab this Juve at personal and club level. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said,
“it is true that Paul Pogba is one of the leading targets of ours and obviously we are interested to bring him at the Nou Camp. But, I cann’t say anything more right now.”
Pogba would make a real change of direction in the midfield for the Barcelona. He would be a more powerful midfielder than the ‘conductor’ Xavi has been. Landing the ex-Manchester United man would cost Barcelona more or less around €80 million and the midfielder is just waiting for the green signal.
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3. Isco
If Barcelona are interested in Real Madrid midfieder Isco, firstly, they have to arrange a third party to have Isco signed for them before he move onto Barca. It’s a matter of just a few months. There is absolutely no chance that Florentino Perez would sanction a move to Real Madrid’s greatest rivals.
Although, Isco would be significantly cheaper than Pogba, there are unlikely to be too many supporters fussed about Isco previously having plied his trade at the Santiago Bernabeu if there was a chance of signing him to Barcelona. It doesn’t need to be a researcher say that Isco is the right man, at right place, at right age.
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4. Marco Reus
Barcelona have been considered a potential destination for Marco Reus for some while, but prefers to remain as a Borussia Dortmund midfielder. In February, Reus has made a new deal for the German club. So, any proposed deal would be difficult for him right now. Considering Reus’ adaptability, Barcelona may feel that he is player worth pursuing.
Marco Reus is an amazing footballer, who can play in any part of the ground and is comfortable in possession. He has a sense of sit and hold as well as pop off inch perfect passes and assists in. He is a high-class football performer. Barcelona have to dig deep to catch Marco Reus.
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5. Santi Cazorla
Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla is the perfect guy, who knows many of the team well through his time with the Spanish National team. It is quite unclear what Arsene Wenger would make an approach from Barcelona’s offer. But, at 30, Santi Cazorla isn’t exactly the one for future. But, the Barcelona team always want to test waters. Barcelona are quite capable to bring out the class within the players. Let’s do them some experiment this summer. Hopefully, they will find a perfect replacement for Xavi in the midfield.
