Newspaper reports have revealed that Barcelona’s administration, led by Joan Laporta, is considering signing Messi’s teammate at the winter Mercato to replace Pablo Xavi.
Last night, Sunday, the Barcelona youngster was injured while playing for Spain against Georgia in a Euro 2024 qualifier. After a medical examination, it was confirmed that he had suffered a rupture of the cruciate ligament of the knee, in addition to injury to the knee cartilage.
Barca are now stepping up their search for Xavi’s replacement to sign him in the upcoming winter transfer window after it was confirmed the player will be out for the rest of the current season.
Barcelona plans to sign Rodrigo De Paul
According to Italian website Calciomercato, Barca are seriously considering signing Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who plays for Atlético Madrid, to compensate for Gavi’s absence.
Calcio confirmed that Xavi’s injury will force the Catalan club to prioritize signing the midfielder in the winter Mercato to compensate for the absence of the youngster, who was considered a key player in Xavi’s formation.
He also stressed that De Paul is one of the ideal options for Barcelona, given that Atlético Madrid is open to selling the player, but for a sum of at least 35 million euros.
When does De Paul’s contract with Atlético Madrid expire?
Argentine player Rodrigo De Paul, who won the 2022 World Cup with “Tango” accompanied by star Lionel Messi, has a contract with Atlético Madrid that extends until the end of the 2026 season.
