According to German media outlet SPORT, FC Barcelona are keeping a close eye on Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Daichi Kamada next summer.
He was a member of Japan’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the Samurai Blue won Group G ahead of Spain and Germany before losing on penalties to Croatia in the round of 16. The midfielder, however, did not have much impact in the four games in Qatar despite starting them all. Kamada’s transfer value is currently 30 million euros.
The Japanese international’s contract ends on June 30 next year with the Bundesliga side. He could then try to find new suitors for himself despite being offered a chance to renew the deal with the Eagles.
The Blaugrana have emerged as unlikely suitors, but they may face competition from Borussia Dortmund, who are also interested in Kamada. Several Serie A clubs are also said to be interested. He assisted in a 3-2 win over Barcelona in the UEFA Europa League in April earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is reportedly pushing Barcelona to agree to a pre-contract agreement in January because he does not want to postpone a decision on his future for much longer. The Blaugrana are looking for a pivot midfielder as they prepare to replace Sergio Busquets, whose contract with the club expires in the summer.
Barcelona will return from their mid-season break on New Year’s Eve to face Espanyol in LaLiga, where they will be vying for their first top-flight title in four years.
The Blaugrana lead reigning champions Real Madrid by two points after 14 games, having garnered 37 points and 12 wins. Barcelona trailed Los Blancos by three points after a 3-1 defeat in the El Clasico in October but have capitalised on Madrid’s mistakes to go top of the table.
Nevertheless, Barca have still failed to impress in Europe. Xavi’s men were ousted from group stage of the UEFA Champions League for the second year in a row and now ply their trade at the Europa League.
