Barcelona running out of time to sign midfielder for €40m | OneFootball

In response to Frenkie de Jong’s serious knee injury, Barcelona have started seeking out midfielder targets that could be signed this summer. The Netherlands international is expected to miss at least 2-3 months after suffering a blow during the 2026 World Cup, and rather than survive with what they already have, the Catalans are keen to secure a replacement.

In the last few days, Rodri has emerged as a possible option, although he’s much more likely to end up at Real Madrid. Instead, sporting director Deco has been exploring a different Spanish midfielder, that being Javi Guerra of Valencia.

Guerra is a player that has been on Barcelona’s radar for several years, but now could be the time that they finally make their move. At present, the 23-year-old as a €40m release clause in his Valencia contract, although the Catalans have now been informed that this will rise to €60m on Saturday, as reported by COPE.

Barcelona unlikely to go for Guerra before clause rises

Guerra is a player that is well-liked within Can Barca, and especially by Deco. However, Sport have assured that any move that is made for the Valencia man is unlikely to happen before this weekend, meaning that Barcelona could have to pay an extra €20m to sign one of their most prominent midfield targets.

Guerra, who scored against Barcelona in Valencia’s 3-1 victory on the final matchday of the 2025-26 La Liga season, is expected to start the new campaign as an attacking midfielder, although he would occupy a deeper role if the Catalans picked him up. Nevertheless, that versatility is one of the reasons why he is so highly-rated at the Spotify Camp Nou, and although a move is unlikely to be made this summer, it would not be a surprise if Los Che were approached in 2027.