Leandro Paredes proposed to Barcelona

According to reports, intermediaries have offered 64-time capped Argentinian international Leandro Paredes to Barcelona in exchange for a possible cut-price transfer this summer.

According to a report from Spanish outlet SPORT, FC Barcelona have the option to sign Leandro Paredes in the summer transfer window. The 30-year-old midfielder, who won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, faces an uncertain future at AS Roma after entering the final year of his contract with the Serie A club.

The story of Leandro Paredes

Leandro Paredes has been a reliable player at most of the clubs he has represented so far in his career. Hailing from San Justo, he started his youth career at La Justina de San Justo before spending some time at Brisas del Sur. However, he spent most of his formative years at Boca Juniors and graduated from the legendary Argentine club’s youth division.

Paredes made his European debut on loan at Chievo Verona and Roma. But he gained popularity after joining Zenit St. Petersburg before enjoying a successful spell at Paris Saint-Germain. The 30-year-old returned to Roma last summer and has racked up nearly 4,000 minutes of playing time in 49 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals and providing seven assists.

In the meantime, the Argentina international has enjoyed success at international level, winning the Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup with The Albiceleste. However, Paredes faces an uncertain future at AS Roma after entering the final year of his contract. Intermediaries have now offered the player to FC Barcelona.

A transfer to Barcelona in sight?

Barcelona could do with a player like Leandro Paredes. The Catalans have been scouring the transfer market for a defensive midfielder heading into the summer transfer window. The position has created many problems since Sergio Busquets’ legendary tenure ended last year, although Andreas Christensen was a solid makeshift defensive midfielder in the 2023/24 season.

Several midfielders, including Mikel Merino, have appeared on Barca’s radar for a possible summer transfer, however. However, Paredes is also a viable target, as he can be a cost-effective short-term solution in midfield.

The Catalans are keen on the 2022 World Cup winner but would prefer a move for Merino and Amadou Onana. So the 30-year-old Argentina international will only become a prime target for Barcelona if Merino and Onana become unattainable.