Barcelona captain Lionel Messi is aware of the club’s financial problems and has blocked a key arrival, but it may be for his convenience than the team’s.
Gerard Pique is expected to bring an end to his career at the Camp Nou shortly. A lot of talk has suggested that the former Spain international will call it a day once the next season ends and switch to the MLS for a few years in 2021. With that said, it is imperative that Barcelona start looking for his replacement in the transfer market in due time.
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Samuel Umtiti is likely to depart during the summer and unfortunately, the France international has not been performing at his level best since the last few months as a result of his injuries. Clement Lenglet needs a reliable defensive partner and with the La Masia also not producing enough talent, Barca will need to look elsewhere.
Kalidou Koulibaly, Milan Skriniar and Matthijs de Ligt are three players who can succeed Gerard Pique at the Camp Nou. The ex-Manchester United central defender has been one of the best players in his position for the last few years and thus the Blaugrana would need to invest well if they’re to avoid any lapses with regard to their backline.
Don Balon has reported that Lionel Messi has vetoed Kalidou Koulibaly’s arrival into the Camp Nou. The Senegal international has a massive asking price and Napoli are not likely to be a club that would take easy negotiations. A price tag worth at least 100 million euros is what Barca would need to pay for the central defender.
By the looks of it, Koulibaly looks like a defender meant for the rich clubs like Manchester City or Real Madrid and unfortunately, Barcelona must count themselves amongst the poor for the time being. Messi is bothered by the price tag and fears that Neymar may not be signed, but before signing a winger it’s necessary that the Blaugrana bring in a centre-back.
Do you think Koulibaly can succeed Pique or Puyol at the Camp Nou looking at his qualities?