Deco bemoans Caicedo price as Barcelona hit transfer stumbling block

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 9 Feb 2024 12:37 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona sporting director Deco believes that replacing Sergio Busquets is “impossible” as the Spanish giants continue searching for a new defensive midfielder.

The Blaugrana signed Oriol Romeu from Girona in 2023 as a short-term solution, but the veteran Spaniard has only started three league games since 26 September after falling out of favour under Xavi.

Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Ilkay Gundogan appear to be the favoured trio as things stand, although Andreas Christensen was deployed in defensive midfield during Barca’s 3-1 win over Alaves last weekend.

As a result, signing a new midfielder is a priority this summer, especially considering recent hints suggesting De Jong could leave the club.

However, Barcelona’s financial woes mean that signing a world-class defensive midfielder may prove extremely tricky.

What has Deco said?

When asked about Barcelona’s potential midfield reinforcements this summer, Deco referred to Moises Caicedo’s recent transfer fee as the reason why Joshua Kimmich is unlikely to move to Camp Nou.

The former Barca midfielder admitted (as per Fabrizio Romano): “It’s almost impossible to replace Busquets. Rodri is the closest but City would never sell him to any club!

“Kimmich is another top player... but it’s also not easy to sign him. Look at how much Chelsea paid for Caicedo, it’s not easy at all.”

Caicedo joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion for €116 million last summer, and that figure could rise further if certain add-on clauses are met.

As for Kimmich, he has been linked with a Bayern Munich exit in recent days amid interest from Manchester United.

The Germany international has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €55.4m, but his contract at the Allianz Arena is due to expire in 2025, meaning Bayern may be forced to sell this summer if he refuses to sign an extension.

Barcelona have also been linked with Martin Zubimendi, Federico Redondo and Douglas Luiz as they look for a Busquets replacement.