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FC Barcelona are reportedly eyeing PSV Eindhoven's Jerdy Schouten as a solution to their ongoing midfield issues, according to MARCA (via Barca Universal).
Following the departure of Sergio Busquets last year, the Catalan club has struggled to secure a long-term replacement in the pivot role. Oriol Romeu, the punt signing from last summer, failed to impress and has since returned to Girona on loan. The Financial Fair Play constraints prevented Barcelona from bringing reinforcements this past summer.
The club has turned to its academy, promoting La Masia talents Marc Bernal and Marc Casado. However, Bernal's season-ending injury last month has reignited Barca's search for a defensive midfielder, with Schouten now considered one of the prime candidates. The Dutch midfielder has earned plaudits for his performances with PSV and the Netherlands national team, making him a hot favorite in the transfer market.
Schouten, 27, has a market value of around €25 million and is contracted to PSV until 2028. The Catalan giants had already initiated contact with him over the summer but were unable to move forward due to financial restrictions.
With Bernal sidelined and Casado yet to fully cement his place, La Blaugrana may revisit their interest in Schouten in future transfer windows.
While Schouten is a strong candidate, Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, who manager Hansi Flick greatly admires, remains on Barcelona’s radar as another potential option to fill the pivotal midfield role.
Barcelona eye sensational swap deal for Spain's Euro 2024 star: Report
Fabian Ruiz has been turning heads with his scintillating form for the Spanish national team, particularly after a standout performance at UEFA Euro 2024 and, most recently, in the UEFA Nations League. The 28-year-old midfielder, who scored twice in Spain's victory over Switzerland on the weekend, has continued to shine on the international stage, fueling speculation about his future.
Despite his success with La Roja, Ruiz has yet to secure a consistent starting role at Paris Saint-Germain, which has led to steady interest from La Liga powerhouses. According to Sport (via PSG Post), Barca is reportedly considering a swap deal involving Frenkie de Jong to bring Ruiz back to Spain.
While PSG remains eager to hold onto the midfielder, contracted until 2027, Barcelona’s pursuit of Ruiz could escalate in the coming transfer windows as they seek to fill a crucial midfield role. Meanwhile, Barcelona's arch-rivals Real Madrid are also rumored to be interested in landing the midfielder.
