A soccer player in a blue jersey in front of the FC Barcelona crest.

Closed exchange between Chelsea and Barça: Cole Palmer holds the key, very unexpected.

A surprise player swap is about to materialize, bringing with it several consequences.

The transfer market is heating up, and Barça continues to work on strengthening its team. Sergio Busquets's departure left a huge void in the midfield. The sports management has been searching for a worthy replacement who can take on his historic role in the team.

In recent hours, Cole Palmer, a star at Chelsea and one of the sensations of the Premier League, publicly pointed out who he considers "the future best defensive midfielder in the world." These statements haven't gone unnoticed in Barça's offices. They have already set to work to seize the opportunity and secure a signing that marks a new era in the culé midfield.

A soccer coach talks to a player holding a ball on a training field.
Flick with Barça | @FCBarcelona

Sergio Busquets's Legacy and the Need for a Replacement

Barça has always had a defensive midfielder to balance the team, and Sergio Busquets was that man for more than a decade. His ability to read the game, recover balls, and distribute with precision made him an essential piece for the club's successes.

However, since his move to Inter Miami, the team led by Hansi Flick has had to seek temporary solutions within its team. Although young talents like Casadó and Bernal have shown good qualities, the management knows that a player with experience and potential is needed to take on the pivot role.

Two soccer players wearing FC Barcelona jackets pose with two children in a stadium.
Marc Bernal and Casadó | @FCBarcelona

Barça Looks to the Premier League on Cole Palmer's Recommendation

In a recent interview, Cole Palmer highlighted a Manchester United midfielder as one of the most interesting prospects in European football. According to the Englishman, the player has all the necessary qualities to dominate the midfield: tactical intelligence, technical quality, and an unusual maturity for his age.

This comment was not ignored by Barça, which had already followed the player in the past. With Flick demanding reinforcement in the midfield, Joan Laporta and Deco saw the perfect opportunity to act.

A soccer player in a blue jersey in front of the FC Barcelona crest.
Confirmed signing | en.carpetasfcb.com

Barça's financial situation forces the club to be creative in its negotiations. According to sources close to the club, an exchange with Manchester United is being considered, which would include a culé player not in Flick's plans. This move would allow reducing the cost of the signing while freeing up space in the wage bill.

Meanwhile, at Manchester United, the season is not going smoothly. The Old Trafford team is facing problems in the Premier League, and their coach needs immediate solutions. This makes the operation beneficial for both parties.

A man in a suit gives a thumbs up with bright lights in the background.
Flick with Barça | @FCBarcelona

The Chosen One

The player in question is Kobbie Mainoo, a 19-year-old midfielder who is starting to shine at Manchester United. Mainoo combines impressive physical ability with great intelligence on the field. Additionally, his ability to break lines and his composure with the ball are reminiscent of Busquets's style.

Mainoo has been on the radar of major European clubs for some time, but his recent rise has put him in Barça's sights. Now, thanks to Cole Palmer's recommendation, Barça has decided to take the definitive step to try to close the deal.

If Barça manages to incorporate Mainoo, Flick will have a midfielder who can become a reference for the team in the coming years. Moreover, the signing would fit perfectly with the club's philosophy of betting on young talents with great potential.

Although the operation is still in the negotiation phase, the enthusiasm in the culé environment is palpable. Mainoo could be the player to bring stability back to Barça's midfield and continue Busquets's legacy.

For now, Barça continues to work quietly, but Kobbie Mainoo's future could soon be linked to Camp Nou.