What will happen with Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes?

Juventus, PSG, Manchester United, Tottenham, West Ham... all these clubs, some more strongly than others, were sounded out as a possible destination for Andre Gomes this summer. In the end, the Portuguese midfielder stayed at Barça, but his future is not clear. Ernesto Valverde has a number of options in midfield, with Gomes yet to show the technique and quality he has in a blaugrana shirt. 

Gomes didn't start off on a good foot at Barça when he was signed last summer. Firstly because of the amount, 35 million euros plus 20 million more in variables, excessive at the time, although the market's changed since then. There are clauses in his contract such as a 'bonus' 15 million euros if he wins the Ballon d'Or. Despite Luis Enrique's faith in him last season, his performances added to the doubts. 

FAILED EXPERIMENT 

It's now a matter for Valverde to deal with. The former Athletic Club coach has, publicly, displayed his confidence in the player. But the day he played him, it didn't go well. It was at the Santiago Bernabeu, in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup. He played wide in a system with three centre-backs. He started strong, keen, but when things didn't come off, he switched off and was eventually taken off. 

After, La Liga started and he was on the bench for the 2-0 win against Real Betis. He then missed the trip to Alaves with a bug. 

NOT FITTING IN 

In a 4-3-3 system, he fits best as one of the two interiors, although he can also play in the pivote position. But Sergio Busquets is there and, if he isn't, Paulinho has better characteristics to fill in.  

In theory, the interior role is ideal for the Portugal international. In Valencia he showed himself to be a complete footballer, full of promise, with good vision, a capacity to press, a good shot... All that's still to be seen in Barcelona. 

The problem is finding his place, with players like Iniesta, Rakitic, Paulinho, Sergi Roberto and even Denis Suárez to compete with -- although Valverde's opting for Denis in a more advanced position. Maybe he would, therefore, be better suited to a 4-2-31 as the second pivote or the mediapunta. 

THE MENTAL ASPECT

The problem is that Andre Gomes finds himself in a vicious circle. His first year with Barcelona, a long way from giving him confidence, has provoked insecurity. Fans and press watched him with a magnifying glass because of his cost and now needs several games to gain confidence and to believe in himself again. At Barcelona he's not a shadow of the player he was in Barcelona, or even when he plays for the national team. But how does he turn things around? There's no easy solution...