Valencia are reportedly already considering replacements for midfielder Andre Gomes, with Barcelona strongly linked with the Portugal international.
Sport noted Los Che have decided this summer is the right time to cash in on the midfielder. While “various clubs” have reportedly made their interest known in Gomes, the Blaugrana are “showing the most conviction,” as they feel the elegant playmaker would be an ideal fit for their squad.
“For this reason, Valencia are on the move in searching for a replacement, and according to the English press, they have pinpointedJuan Mata as a target,” Sport added.
Gomes does align well with the Barcelona blueprint. Here is a look at what he’d bring to the Camp Nou:
During his time at the Mestalla, the 22-year-old has excelled. While Valencia didn’t enjoy a prosperous 2015-16, the Portuguese provided a few bright spots. His running with the ball, close control and ability to pick a pass make him a treat to watch, and he's capable of cutting defences open at his best.
Gomes has been very impressive with Valencia.
Given his technical quality and versatility—Gomes can play in a variety of midfield positions and on the flanks—it’d be no surprise to see Barca make a move for him. However, Grup 14's Sergi Dominguez is unsure whether the team needs him:
Anyone who has followed me knows I rate Gomes very highly, one of my favourite La Liga players but he really isn't a necessity now.— Sergi Domínguez (@FutbolSergi) July 2, 2016
Indeed, with Ivan Rakitic, Andres Iniesta, Arda Turan, Sergi Roberto and Rafinha, Barcelona do have a lot of quality in the attacking-midfield positions. A move would see Gomes go from being a vital player in Valencia to on the periphery at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona will always be an enticing destination, especially for a young footballer who plays the game in Gomes’ style. However, a transfer to a different side, where he will have more stature in the squad, would be better for the Valencia man at this stage in his career; Barcelona need to address other areas of the squad before they pursue another creative midfielder too.
Matteo Darmian Linked
One position the club needs to bolster is right-back, and according to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Jamie Styles of the Daily Star), Manchester United man Matteo Darmian is top of Barcelona's shortlist for the role.
It’s suggested there are four targets for the full-back position after Dani Alves joined Juventus: Borussia Monchengladbach’s Fabian Johnson, Wendell from Bayer Leverkusen, AC Milan’s Mattia De Sciglio and the United defender. Darmian’s versatility—he's able to play on the left or the right flank—is said to have impressed Barca.
In his debut campaign with the Red Devils, the Italy international was a solid but unspectacular presence. Sports journalist Liam Canning would like to see Darmian stay at the club to work under new manager Jose Mourinho:
Can't believe people are genuinely saying Schneiderlin, Memphis and Darmian need to go. Give them a chance under new management.— Liam Canning (@OffsideLiam) July 3, 2016
Would Darmian be a good signing for Barcelona?
Replacing Alves will be difficult. Although Aleix Vidal has impressed in bursts and Roberto has shone when given a chance in the role, the Brazilian, even in the twilight of his career, is one of a kind. His energy, quality on the ball and ability to perfectly time his surges forward were a hallmark of Barca’s dominance.
Darmian isn’t the same kind of player. While he is always willing to raid forward, his best attributes are defensive ones, such as his ability to shut down wide players, track runners and cover for centre-backs. He’s a handy full-back and a useful option to have in a squad. But for the way Barcelona play, there are better fits available.
