Schalke’s contract rebel and star midfielder Leon Goretzka could be headed towards Camp Nou next summer if recent reports from The Sun are to be believed.
The German midfield sensation has been one of the players to catch the eye in the Bundesliga this season. His current contract with the Royal Blues expires at the end of this season, which has attracted interest from a host of top European clubs.
According to English newspaper, The Sun, the 22-year-old midfielder is set to snub Arsenal in order to move to Barcelona next summer.
Even though Goretzka, himself, earlier admitted that he would love to move to the Premier League, the acquisition of this highly talented midfielder could be a huge for the Blaugrana.
The Spanish giants have been terrific form in the league this season, currently leading the table with a four-point lead over second-placed Valencia. The Blue and Maroons really seem to be clicking well under newly appointed head coach Ernesto Valverde.
However, Barcelona could face a host of problems in the long term, as they are often guilty of relying too much on their ageing players. Players like Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, and Luis Suarez have already hit their 30s and it’s past time they look for younger alternatives in the market.
And Schalke’s Leon Goretzka could be the perfect signing for the Spanish league leaders. The German International will significantly strengthen the depth in Barcelona’s midfield and further solidify their claim as the best team in Spanish football.
Considering the fact that this may be the final season for Andres Iniesta, whose performances have already started to deteriorate and with players like Sergio Busquets on the verge of reaching their 30s, Leon Goretzka could add a layer of youth and enthusiasm in the Barca midfield. While Leon Goretzka may not fit the playing style for either of those two midfielders, he can be deemed as some kind of missing link between Iniesta and Busquets.
Like Busquets, he can admirably guard the defence at any given situations, largely thanks to his tall, intimidating figure. He is a very competent midfielder, who has the right kind of mentality to go with him. He isn’t afraid to go into tackles nor headed duels while his ability to read the game is very good too.
At 22, Leon Goretzka bags a lot of promise and he certainly has the potential to succeed at the top level. Therefore, the Catalans should do their best to lure the midfielder to Nou Camp next season.
