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The English press has speculated that a deal could be in the works for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano to join Barcelona in the January transfer window. Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola made no secret of his desire to purchase the Argentina international, but talks eventually died as the two clubs could not come to an agreement.

It seems now that the door has been reopened for the switch, but the question is, would Mascherano be a wise buy for Barcelona?

Although Mascherano has failed to win any trophies since joining the Reds, he was an integral part in the club’s second place finish last year. The former River Plate star is one of the highest rated passers in the English Premier League and is also one of the most successful tacklers.

At the international level, El Jefecito has been a main stay in Argentina's starting 11 since the 2004 Copa America. He is also a two time Olympic Gold Medalist. 

Despite his good play, Mascherano’s family is unsettled in England and his relationship with Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has turned sour, so his departure from Merseyside is imminent, but it is strange that Barcelona would be a top contender.

Guadriola already has the more versatile Yaya Toure at his disposal in central midfield. The six foot three inch Toure adds a dimension of height so often missing in the Barcelona team. Although Seydou Keita has been playing more this season, Guardiola’s preferred midfield features Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta sitting slightly ahead of Toure.

Should Guardiola sign Mascherano to replace Toure, Barcelona’s starting midfield would all stand under five feet seven inches.

Toure’s height is especially valuable in the air on set pieces, an area Xavi and Iniesta offer almost no help. The Ivorian also has the capacity to drop back and play in central defense, a role he took up fantastically in the Champions League semifinal and final.

Mascherano’s purchase can be validated due to the departures of Keita and Toure to the African Cup of Nations in January, but youth product Sergio Busquets could easily step into the midfield holding role. Busquets played an important role at the latter end of last season and has become a favorite of Spain coach Vicente del Bosque.

Guardiola will have no problem giving Busquets a starting place while the African Cup of Nations is taking place, but with several important games, including a crucial match with title contenders Sevilla on Jan. 17, he will want cover for the young Catalan star.

Although depth would be needed, Mascherano is the captain of Argentina and has played in the Champions League Final with Liverpool, he would be less than thrilled to be used solely as back up for departed players. His price tag, which could fall anywhere between 20 and 40 million euros, would be an awfully expensive sum to pay for a squad player.

Therefore, the only way to endorse the purchase of Mascherano is to sell Toure. Clubs in Italy have made their interest known in the former Monaco man and his brother Kolo has made a plea for his international colleague to join him at Manchester City. 

No one can argue that Mascherano is a great player and sensational in the tackle. However, if he is signed by Barcelona one has to wonder when Sergio Busquets will be given the chance to start full time. For a club so intent on bringing youth through the ranks, Mascherano’s signing does not seem viable.

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