Barcelona scouting German duo as summer defensive reinforcements
Barcelona are scouting two young Germany internationals
Despite having arguably the best goalkeeper in the world in Marc-André ter Stegen, Barcelona have kept just 5 clean sheets all season. That is how poor the defence has been this season. In other words, signings need to be made.
The leakiest side of the defence has been the right. Nélson Semedo has been sketchy at the back, while Sergi Roberto hasn’t been used much at right-back. Moussa Wagué just made his debut, but he is not expected to keep getting playing time.
Barça need an upgrade at the right-back position. Currently, there are two players being scouted. RB Leipzig youngster Lukas Klostermann and Germany star Joshua Kimmich. While Kimmich has been a target for a long time, Klostermann is an emerging star.
Klostermann relies on his build and physique to overpower opposition wingers, breaking up counter-attacks. Defensively, he is among the best right-backs in the world. But for such a big player, the 23-year old right-back is also quite fast.
The ex-Bochum man is considered to be the next Stephen Lichtsteiner. A star of longevity, Lichtsteiner was a Barça target during the right-back crisis after Dani Alves’ departure. Maybe Klostermann could the solution for Barça.
More from Everything Barca
- FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
- FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid
As for Kimmich, he is already a superstar. He has won 4 Bundesliga championships, along with 2 DFB-Pokal titles. At 24, Kimmich has also won the Confederations Cup with Germany. The Bayern youth academy graduate is among the most talented and versatile players in Europe.
Kimmich is a very good passer of the ball, evidenced by his 90% pass accuracy this season. He can play in a number of different positions, but is primarily a right-back. As a Guardiola protégé, he has some of the Barça flavour in his game.
For example, Kimmich likes to overlap as a right-back, unlike Klostermann. His ball-retention skills are fantastic, and he is also very quick. Joshua Kimmich is the complete footballer in the 21st century, in every way imaginable.
When it comes to feasibility, both Joshua Kimmich and Lukas Klostermann will be expensive. Klostermann will come cheaper despite the fact that RB Leipzig are anything but a selling club. Kimmich could fetch up to double his market value.
When comparing both players, it is clear that Kimmich wins the battle. Given the right kind of negotiations, he can be brought in. But it is unclear whether such a big move for a player in a position with three existing squad members is necessary.
Next. 6 Barça players who need to go. dark
Instead, Barça should try and develop Wagué as the right-back for the future, with Klostermann providing much-needed competition to Semedo.