Barcelona have set their priorities for the summer transfer window with defensive reinforcements hinted to be one of the targets.
Barcelona have problems in the back with inconsistent performances by the back four on many occasions, especially the Champions League losses to Roma and Liverpool, which displayed an increasing need of bringing new faces to the struggling defense.
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Gerard Pique at 33 years of age, despite being one of the key members of the back four at the Nou Camp, does not have many more seasons left to play under his belt. Samuel Umtiti, regarded by many as a world-class defender, has failed to display his talent since his knee operation. Umtiti’s club and country teammate, Clement Lenglet, has been the one man that has shown immense potential and consistency during Samuel’s absence.
As reported earlier, sporting director Eric Abidal had sent his assistant Ramon Planes to scout certain RB Leipzig players during their Champions League clash against Tottenham. Dayot Upamecano, another French defender named by many as the ‘next Umtiti’ has been one of the favorites to possibly join the Catalan giants in the summer.
In Italy, Barca have begun scouting Serie A clubs for defensive talents, with Football Italia (via Corriere Dello Sport) reporting that sporting director Abidal is keen on Lazio center-back, Luiz Felipe Ramos Marchi.
The Brazil international has made 23 appearances this season, predominantly for Lazio’s Serie A fixtures, making only one Europa League appearance out of the club’s six European fixtures. The 22-year-old is a young prospect with immense potential and at the current value of €20 million could be a steal for Spanish champions.
Would Luiz Felipe be the right fit for Barca?