5 midfielders Barcelona can target instead of Paul Pogba

#2 Geoffrey Kondogbia (Valencia)

The French international would be a perfect fit instead of Pogba

A pattern of Barcelona buying players from Valencia and Sevilla CF seems to have emerged in the recent past. While some of the purchases from Los Che have turned out well (Jordi Alba, David Villa), others have underwhelmed (Gomes, Paco Alcacer, Gerard Lopez etc.)

However, the purchase of one French midfielder could yet be the best so far. Kondogbia was majestic last season for Valencia and showcased the potential the world saw while he was at Sevilla and AS Monaco

Spending last season on loan at the Mestalla, the 25-year-old was undoubtedly one of the top performers in the entire league. His tackling abilities and intelligence helped solidify Valencia’s midfield last season (a key reason why Marcelino’s team got 4th spot and Champions League football).

His physical strength coupled with his pace and power made him the ideal partner for Valencia captain Dani Parejo last season. Were he to move to the Camp Nou, he could do the same for Busquets.

A tireless runner, he is adept at performing his defensive duties; marking, tackling and shielding the ball from the opposition. He is also a huge threat further up the pitch as he can carry the ball forward with pace and intelligence and has amazing passing abilities.

His has a powerful shot and carries an aerial threat. This will allow him get more than his fair share of goals especially in a team that creates as many chances as Barca does.

A midfield of Busquets, Kondogbia, Rakitic, Arthur and Vidal would be too hot to handle for a lot of teams. Having just made a permanent €25 move to Valencia from Inter Milan, he is said to have a rather pricey €80 million buyout clause.