Barcelona want to download all their unwanted players this summer, but one player who could get caught up in the mass outing is the wonderful midfielder Ilaix Moriba.
Seen as one of the most exciting players on the planet, Moriba has been banished from the first team in Barcelona until he agrees to extend his contract, which will expire next summer. If he does not play ball, he will be sold this summer and the list of suitors for him is already growing.
Let’s take a look at which move makes the most sense.
Juventus has too many midfielders / Marco Canoniero / Getty Images
Suitor for Moriba a few years ago, Juventus always sniffs when there is a chance to catch a youngster for a good price.
Unfortunately, they will not land Moriba this summer. They already have far too many central midfielders, and even if they manage to get rid of deadwood – teams do not skip the chance to sign Aaron Ramsey – the plan is to sign another Barcelona man, Miralem Pjanic.
Factor in the fact that Juventus is not doing well financially, and you will see why this deal does not happen.
City has long been linked to Moriba / David Ramos / Getty Images
The attraction of working with Pep Guardiola could tempt Moriba to join Manchester City, but the level of competition in the midfield at the Etihad may convince him to look elsewhere.
Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan will start most of the matches, and then it’s Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva who are looking for minutes in midfield. The road for Moriba is not there.
It may be one of the more exciting options, but in reality it does not make sense for a player who is interested in having an immediate impact in senior football.
Liverpool lost Wijnaldum this summer / Sebastian Frej / MB Media / Getty Images
Moriba’s future was linked to Georginio Wijnaldum earlier in the window, when it looked like he would be replaced by the Dutchman, and it may come back if the youngster moves to Anfield.
The two players have a similar style of play, and Liverpool obviously lack someone in that form now that Wijnaldum has put up sticks for PSG.
Unfortunately for Liverpool, Moriba can be too expensive. There will be a bidding war for his services, and then you have the salaries that have scared Barcelona away. That may be a step too far.
Chelsea’s system does not fit Moriba / Matthew Ashton – AMA / Getty Images
Chelsea are well-known fans of Moriba and have been tracking him for several years, but in his current system it is difficult to see where he fits in.
Thomas Tuchel’s dream pairing will be N’Golo Kante and Jorginho – two players who could very well fight for the Ballon d’Or in a few months – so Moriba would just be a backup.
It will probably not be good enough for Moriba, who expects to be a regular first team member in his next club. He’s too talented to spend so much time on the bench.
Leipzig is not afraid to play youth / Andreas Schaad / Getty Images
RB Leipzig’s desire to play young players will definitely appeal to Moriba, and there may be a ready place for him if Marcel Sabitzer leaves the club as expected.
Moriba would slide into the starting line and gain regular experience at a really high level. From a sports perspective, Leipzig may well be his best destination.
Unfortunately, Leipzig may not be able to survive in a bidding war against the Premier League elite. If they cannot meet Moriba’s requirements, they may need to look elsewhere.
United may need a replacement for Pogba / PAUL ELLIS / Getty Images
Moriba have been compared to Paul Pogba for several years, and Manchester United look as if they should have a Pogba-sized vacuum in their group.
United have made a point of spending big on the game’s best young talent in recent years, and Moriba fits perfectly, but with the added bonus of already being ready in minutes.
He may not be a permanent start at United yet, but Ole Gunnar Solskjær would keep the door open to market him in the near future. It’s just if the boss can convince Moriba to be patient.
