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FC Barcelona transfer rumour update – Kasper Dolberg and Kalidou Koulibaly

By Chiranjib Ghosh

Kasper Dolberg of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax Amsterdam and Roda JC at the Amsterdam Arena on November 26, 2017 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Kasper Dolberg of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax Amsterdam and Roda JC at the Amsterdam Arena on November 26, 2017 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /
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Barcelona consider Kalidou Koulibaly as an option

Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus at Stadio San Paolo on December 1, 2017 in Naples, Italy.(Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus at Stadio San Paolo on December 1, 2017 in Naples, Italy.(Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

Javier Mascherano has already publicly stated his intentions to leave Barcelona at the end of the season. When he leaves, he will open up a wound which had been sealed when the club signed Samuel Umtiti from Lyon.

To seal that wound, Barcelona will have to sign a centre-back who can ably replace Mascherano. Hence, the shortlist does not consist of too many names. But one player who features prominently in that shortlist is none other than Kalidou Koulibaly.

The Senegalese defender is a prized possession of Napoli, but he knows that he cannot fulfill his ambitions in Naples. A transfer away from the Stadio San Paolo has not materialised as of yet, but it may next summer.

Barcelona are weighing up signing Koulibaly. He is an adequate replacement for Mascherano, if not the most far-sighted. He might even give Samuel Umtiti a run for his money if he joins.

Kasper Dolberg wants Barcelona move

The role of being the starting centre-forward is very tempting, and one of Europe’s brightest young talents has become a victim to the temptation. Luis Suárez’s poor form means that he is failing to keep up with the high standards he has set for himself.

Suárez is only in the first-team because the only alternative is Paco Alcácer, who does not have the trust of manager Ernesto Valverde. Next summer, he will no longer be the starting forward, unless he dramatically changes things, which is unlikely.

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The question is : Who will replace Luis Suárez in the first-team? It cannot be Alcácer as long as Valverde is in charge, so it may be Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman is a good choice, being 26 and in his prime.

But his competitor in Group C in the World Cup Finals, Danish wonderkid Kasper Dolberg is a more exciting prospect. He might have lost his starting spot at Ajax to the returning Klaas-Jan Huntelaar but he retains his potential.

Dolberg is one of the most in-demand players in Europe, with interest from the top leagues. But he prefers a move to Barcelona. He feels that he can succeed Suárez in the first-team and will reject offers from Manchester United or Real Madrid to join Barcelona.

Next: Barcelona snap up Iker San Vicente on a free transfer

But while it is true that he can replace Suárez in the first-team, he needs a season or two to develop and acclimatise himself with the La Liga. But he is a brilliant signing for the future.

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