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FC Barcelona transfer rumour update – Stefan de Vrij and Davinson Sanchez

By Chiranjib Ghosh

ROME, ROMA - APRIL 30: Stefan De Vrij of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between AS Roma and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on April 30, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)
ROME, ROMA - APRIL 30: Stefan De Vrij of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between AS Roma and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on April 30, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona to contest with Chelsea over Davinson Sanchez’s signature

Davinson Sanchez of Ajaxduring the UEFA Europa League semi final match between Olympique Lyonnais and Ajax Amsterdam at Stade de Lyon, on May 11, 2017 in Lyon, The Netherlands(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Davinson Sanchez of Ajaxduring the UEFA Europa League semi final match between Olympique Lyonnais and Ajax Amsterdam at Stade de Lyon, on May 11, 2017 in Lyon, The Netherlands(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /

Barcelona have been courting Davinson Sanchez since the end of the last season. He had been performing brilliantly for Atletico Nacional when he caught the eye of Robert Fernandez. Barca even made an offer for him and the deal was in the bag when he rejected the offer.

Sanchez was reluctant to play for Barcelona B and instead, went to Ajax. This season, he has realized a lot of his potential with Ajax. As a result, Barcelona have reignited their interest in him. But Robert faces more potent competition than Ajax this time around.

According to Sport, Barcelona will be facing competition from Chelsea for Sanchez. But Barca also have an edge in this contest. Marc Overmars flew to Barcelona for talks regarding Davinson Sanchez. Reportedly, Ajax’s financial director also accompanied him.

Ex-Barca man Overmars and Barca officials talked of the fee Ajax would require to let Sanchez go. The figure is around the €20 million mark, along with other bonuses. A verbal agreement has probably been sealed and Sanchez is Barca’s if Chelsea cannot hijack the deal.

But the hard part will be convincing Sanchez to join. He seeks first-team football. Although he is unlikely to get that due to the rise of Samuel Umtiti, he can occupy the rotational centre-back role. That spot in the squad has gone to either Javier Mascherano and Jeremy Mathieu this season. And none of them have done a great job.

Barcelona prepare emergency signing in case Davinson deal does not work out


Barca have taken the cautious approach in the deal for Davinson Sanchez. Robert Fernandez has singled out an alternative to Sanchez if he does not sign for Barcelona. And the player is Stefan de Vrij.

De Vrij is a known admirer of Barcelona. In his earlier playing days, he expressed interest in joining the club. But it was never a possibility until now. De Vrij has grown tremendously over the past five years. His rise began with his move to Lazio and now, he has 30 caps under his belt.

De Vrij is having issues with Lazio over his new contract and has refused to sign it. He is attracting interest from AC Milan, Inter, Atletico and Manchester United. This is more so because of his performance this season. De Vrij has performed consistently well despite being injured for long periods.

Next: Xavi comments on Andre Gomes' performances since joining

He is a very good alternative to Davinson Sanchez. He has a knack of playing short passes and is good in the air. Also, he has more experience playing in a top league than Sanchez. Therefore, Barcelona should always keep that window open if the Sanchez deal falls out.

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