5 midfielders who could replace Ivan Rakitic at Barcelona 

2. Fabian Ruiz

Fabian Ruiz has been a transfer target for Barcelona since more than two seasons

It won’t be an understatement to say that Fabian Ruiz is a significantly greater attacking threat than all three of the previously mentioned midfielders combined. The Napoli playmaker is currently hot property on the continent with the likes of European heavyweights Manchester City and Barcelona desperate for his signature.

Ruiz might be one of the most talented midfielders in world football right now. He has a dream of a left-foot and can create chances at will. He cannot be knocked off the ball easily, can effectively build-up play and has all the qualities of a prototype Barcelona player: creativity, vision and flair.

The rumours linking him to the Spanish champions have intensified in recent weeks because he was under current Barcelona manager Quique Setien’s tutelage at Real Betis. Interestingly, Barcelona were also interested in Ruiz back then but Setien halted any talks between the two clubs only for Betis to sell him to Napoli a year later. With Barcelona up against Napoli in the Champions League Round of 16, it will be a perfect opportunity for the Blaugrana hierarchy to scout the 23-year-old star-in-the-making.

Fabian Ruiz could be an upgrade to Ivan Rakitic and Barcelona fans will be licking their lips thinking about him linking up with the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi.