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Barcelona keeping tabs on Polish wonderkid Sebastian Walukiewicz

By Chiranjib Ghosh

LODZ, POLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Sebastian Walukiewicz of Poland during the 8 Nations Tournament match between Poland U20 and Italy U20 on September 6, 2018 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Adam Starszynski/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images)
LODZ, POLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Sebastian Walukiewicz of Poland during the 8 Nations Tournament match between Poland U20 and Italy U20 on September 6, 2018 in Lodz, Poland. (Photo by Adam Starszynski/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona are looking at Pogoń Szczecin defender Sebastian Walukiewicz

Barcelona technical secretary Éric Abidal is in the transfer market to find a long-term replacement for Gerard Piqué, who is 32. Of course, the club is looking at Matthijs de Ligt but Ajax may be reluctant to let go of him, while Chumi is unproven at the highest level of football.

So, Abidal’s search for alternative options have led him to Arsenal target Sebastian Walukiewicz. The 18-year old Polish centre-back was discovered by the Gunners’ head scout Sven Mislintat, and has huge potential.

Walukiewicz began his professional career with Legia Warsaw, and made 20 appearances for its various youth teams. But he moved to Pogoń Szczecin in the summer of 2017, on a free transfer. He made a total of 14 appearances for Pogoń Szczecin II and their Under-19 side.

Then, he was called up to the first-team on a permanent basis at the start of the season. Walukiewicz has started 12 of the 15 league games for Pogoń Szczecin this season. The youngster has also made a total of 35 appearance for Poland at various youth levels.

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The young defender is yet to get called up to the Polish senior national team, but he may do so soon if he can maintain his level of performance this season. If he does get his senior debut for Poland, interest from various clubs can intensify, including Southampton and Arsenal.

Barcelona could also look to bring him in to reinforce the Barça B defence. La Masia graduate Chumi is touted to receive the call-up to the first-team squad if Thomas Vermaelen’s replacement is not signed next summer. Sebastian Walukiewicz could compete with Chumi in that regard.

It would be healthy competition, and the 18-year old Polish defender is a real prospect for the future. Proof of his talent is further reinforced by the fact that Sven Mislintat discovered him. The Polish scout has found talents like Marco Reus and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the past.

Next. Barça commence negotiations with Jordi Alba over new deal. dark

More recently, he found young French defensive midfielder Matteo Guendouzi in Ligue 2, and he has been brilliant for Arsenal this season.

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