Barcelona Identify De Jong’s Replacement In This Valencia Midfielder

In a recent report, Metro has reported that Barcelona have agreed on a deal with Valencia midfielder Carlos Soler ahead of the next season. The Spanish midfielder would be replacing Frenkie De Jong, but the Dutch midfield ace remains reluctant to exit with no Champions League football being offered next season.

It has also been mentioned that the Spanish giants must sell before buying this summer, and the midfielder is on Manchester United’s wish list.

De Jong’s Impressive Numbers For Valencia This Season

Carlos Soler has produced some impressive displays at the centre of Jose Bordala’s midfield, performing consistently at a high level. He has scored 11 goals and created five assists over 36 appearances this season on all fronts.

The 25-year-old has performed exceptionally well at the Mestalla Stadium this season based on his average of 1.3 shots, 1.7 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga.

However, he’s only decent in distributing the ball, making 74.4% of his attempted passes in Spanish top-flight football (stats via Whoscored).

Should Barcelona Boss Xavi Bring Him To Camp Nou Ahead Of The Next Season?

The Spain international has remained a regular in the first eleven for Valencia and has established himself as a key player. He can make some decent runs from the midfield and remains skilled at holding on to the ball. Soler’s strengths lie in front of the goal, as the midfielder can create some clear cut goal scoring chances.

Carlos Soler is primarily a central midfielder but remains versatile enough to play as a right-sided wide player or an advanced attacking midfielder. However, he will need to improve his ability to distribute the ball in the midfield if he wishes to adapt to Barca’s playstyle.

Xavi would be wise to bring Soler to Camp Nou, as he still has room for improvement with his best days still ahead of him. He could help Barcelona in the Spanish top flight and would be a decent replacement for De Jong in the midfield should they cut him loose in this transfer window.