Barcelona looking for other options as Wijnaldum deal was hijacked by PSG
According to several media, FC Barcelona had a verbal agreement with Georginio Wijnaldum, but it ended up with the Dutchman choosing PSG's lucrative salary offer over Barcelona's mild offer. The Spanish giant was reportedly ready to announce the Dutchman today, but this is no longer a possible scenario, as the French club has announced the transfer with a contract valid until 2024 for the Dutch midfield profile. This now makes Barcelona go looking for alternatives. Mikel Merino and Fabian Ruiz are two of the players that the club should have liked. However, the two Spaniards cost up to €24 and €38 million, respectively. Given the Catalans' current economic problems these transfers do not seem to be an option this summer. If the Spaniards can not get hold of either of the two midfielders at a reasonable price, then La Masía talents Ilaix Moriba, Nico Gonzalez and Riqui Puig could get the chance to prove their worth in the middle of Camp Nou's great pitch. 18-year-old Ilaix Moriba made his debut for the first team last season, he played 14 La Liga matches, 21-year-old Riqui Puig also got 14 La Liga matches, and Nico Gonzalez is yet to make his debut for the first team, but has made a significant mark on Barcelona B.