Five players Barcelona must keep an eye on at Olympics 2024 | OneFootball

We are less than a week away from the start of the Paris Olympics 2024. Although football is not a prominent feature in the Olympics, the truncated version of the tournament still serves as an excellent stage for many young players around the globe.

Barcelona, no doubt, will also be keeping a close eye on the Olympics this summer. And to that end, we will look at five players the Catalans could closely monitor in the Paris Olympics.

Julian Alvarez – Argentina

Although Julian Alvarez has already become a household name in European football by now, the player, nonetheless, has a point to prove heading into the Olympics 2024.

Many expected Alvarez to become the next great asset in Argentine football after Lionel Messi and just like the footballing icon, the Man City star will be looking to win the prestigious Olympics this summer.

interestingly, Barcelona have been linked with a future move for Alvarez, whose current contract at Etihad expires in 2028. It will, therefore, be interesting to see how the Argentine leads his nation in the Paris Olympics.

Rayan Cherki – France

Rayan Cherki is undoubtedly one of the most talented players to participate in the upcoming Olympics.

Rayan Cherki will play an important role for France in Olympics (Photo by GAIZKA IROZ/AFP via Getty Images)

The young playmaker will be leading the French team after enjoying a brilliant 2023/24 campaign. Known for his creative qualities, Cherki was closely linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund earlier in the year.

But the speculation has died down since and Barcelona, to that end, may have an excellent market opportunity in their hands. Cherki, in fact, could prove to be an ideal alternative for the club’s top target Dani Olmo, whose €60 million release clause ends today.

Julio Enciso – Paraguay

Julio Enciso is regarded as the next big thing in Paraguayan football many following his breakthrough at Brighton & Hove Albion. Coming on the back of an injury-riddled campaign the versatile star will be keen to prove a point.

An attacking midfielder by trade, Enciso could be an interesting bet due to his creativity, versatility, and dynamism in the final third. Barcelona, therefore, should keep a close eye on the 20-year-old as he represents Paraguay in the Paris Olympics.

Ezequiel Fernandez – Argentina

Another South American talent Barcelona could keep an eye on heading into the Paris Olympics is Ezequiel Fernandez.

The defensive midfielder has yet to prove himself in top-flight European football, but his performances at Boca Juniors have raised the eyes of many, with Liverpool having been linked with him not very long ago.

Ezequiel Fernandez – one for the future? (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Fernandez’s aggression, coupled with his work ethic make him an ideal target for a Barcelona team desperately looking to shore up their ranks in the midfield unit. Hence, it will be interesting to see how he performs in the upcoming Olympics.

Manu Kone – France

An aggressive and illustrious midfielder always looking to make an impact in the middle of the park – Manu Kone is the final player on this list.

The Borussia Monchengladbach starlet has made quite a name for himself in the Bundesliga, thanks to his consistent performances in recent years.

Kone is known for his ability to offer creativity, but at the same time, add more aggression in the second line of press. This makes him a good all-round option for Barcelona to look at as he captains France in the Olympics.