In a recent report, Transfermarketweb stated that Barcelona are hoping to recruit AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli next year. It is understood that the Catalan giants are looking to snap the Italian centre-back up when he becomes a free agent at the end of next season (via Trasfermarketweb).
Romagnoli’s Outstanding Form At San Siro Last Season
The Anzio-born defensive ace had a solid campaign with the Milan giants recently as he put in several dominant displays at the heart of their backline. Romagnoli scored one goal and provided one assist in 30 matches for the Italian club last season across various competitions.
The 26-year-old was a commanding figure inside his penalty box after he averaged 0.8 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 3.5 clearances per game in the 2020-21 Serie A campaign. He was excellent with his ball distribution as he made 89.6% of his attempted passes in the Italian top tier (stats via whoscored).
Romagnoli is playing some of the best football of his career at the moment, so it is no surprise that Barca will try to lure him to the Nou Camp in the summer of 2022 when he will be available on a free transfer. It makes a lot of financial sense for them to do so and the promise of regular first-team football might just be enough for them to land the player.
What Will Romagnoli Add To Ronald Koeman’s Team?
Romagnoli can use his strong 1.85m frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air. He is often quick to react to the danger and can time his challenges well to make a few crucial interceptions at the back. The Italian centre-half is proficient at playing his way out from the back and doesn’t take too many risks when putting his foot through the ball when needed.
We can expect Romagnoli to add a lot of quality to Ronald Koeman’s defensive department. Furthermore, he would serve as a perfect replacement for Gerard Pique who is in the last legs of his Barca career. Therefore, the Catalans should make it a priority to offer him a lucrative contract when he becomes a free agent at the end of the next campaign.
At 26, the 12-time Italy international is currently enjoying his prime, so Koeman can rely on him to make an immediate impact at the Nou Camp if Barca manage to acquire his services next year. He has all the defensive skillset required to help the Catalans challenge for major trophies once again in the future. Therefore, the Spanish outfit should consider lowering their wage bill so that they can afford to offer Romagnoli an attractive package to join Koeman’s squad.
