Barcelona would have to fork out €30-35 million to sign Dutch pivot midfielder – report | OneFootball

Barcelona’s stellar start to the season was cut short by AS Monaco earlier this week as they handed the Catalans a 2-1 defeat in their UEFA Champions League campaign opener.

The result, however, was largely down to the red card Eric Garcia received early in the game which destabilised Hansi Flick’s system.

With the double pivot being the heart and soul of the setup, Pedri was forced to drop deep alongside Marc Casado leaving the forwards isolated from the buildup. Needless to say, the game showed the importance of defensive midfielders in the current team.

Eyeing a new signing?

With Marc Bernal out for the long term, Barcelona may well require a new face in the defensive midfield department given the team’s 4-2-3-1 formation.

As revealed by The Daily Briefing, the Catalans are closely monitoring PSV Eindhoven’s Jerdy Schouten and have the Dutchman on their wish list as a potential target.

The 27-year-old has attracted interest from several elite European clubs this season and various teams have sent scouts to keep an eye on the midfield star.

On Barcelona’s radar (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Barcelona are just one on that long list of suitors that includes teams from the Premier League.

As it stands, a deal to sign Schouten could be challenging as PSV demand over €30-35 million for his signing.

If Barcelona manage to get the right influx of cash through sponsorships and other levers, however, it cannot be ruled out.

So far this season, the 27-year-old has made four appearances for the Eredivisie side in the competition and has one goal to his name. Further, he averages two key passes and five defensive actions per game.

Schouten’s current contract with the Dutch side runs until the summer of 2028 making it impossible for any suitor to assume the upper hand in negotiations. PSV’s demand of €35 million, as it stands, would appear the best route to his signing.