It is widely recognized that Barcelona are on a mission to secure the services of a defensive midfielder with aspirations of fortifying the base of midfield on an immediate basis.

 Reports have previously stated that the Catalan giants are eyeing a midfielder in the mold of Yaya Toure for next summer, emphasizing a desire for players who share his aptitude in both defense and аttаck.

 Now, Mundo Deportivo have come out to provide a list of names that boast such characteristics, and Yousuf Fofana is one of the players to have entered the club’s crosshairs.

 

Fofana garnering consensus

With 13 official caps for the French international team, Fofana has been a mainstay for AS Monaco ever since joining in January 2020 after leaving Strasbourg.

And as per the report, he draws similarities with Yaya Toure, who left an inedible mark in Catalonia with his lung-busting runs, physical vigor, and undeniable ability to dominate the midfield.

Toure also joined Barcelona from Monaco, which places Fofana as the perfect successor in the event his signing is pursued.

The 24-year-old is not the most elegant, especially in comparison to the tranquil figure of Sergio Busquets, but he can help cover a great deal of Barcelona’s flaws out of possession.

He has experience in a double pivot as a ball winner, but he is also an excellent carrier of the ball, capable of offering many solutions in transitional situations.

Experience at the highest level is also a bonus with Fofana. Fofana participated in six of France’s seven games as they advanced to the 2022 World Cup Final.

Barcelona recognizes they are cash-strapped, and thus several options are being evaluated. Fofana is one of the many players who have piqued the club’s curiosity but certainly resembles the great Toure.