Barcelona are on the verge of signing a central defender to add much needed potion to their backline in the upcoming transfer window.
Barcelona central defender Gerard Pique has been fantastic for the Blaugrana since the last few years. Since Carles Puyol’s departure, the Spaniard has taken leadership of the backline besides displaying the world-class skills that he possesses. Pique has had a superb fitness record and that has been one of his and Barca’s biggest assets.
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However, since the start of this season, the former Spain international has been quite slow and rather a shadow of himself. Gerard Pique has made poor decisions from the back and his ability of winning the ball back has diminished as far as comparisons with his prime are concerned. Besides that, age has obviously caught up as he is now 33 years old.
Clement Lenglet has shown signs of maturing with every passing day and promises to be a superb player going forward, but the same cannot be said about Samuel Umtiti, unfortunately whose career at the Camp Nou was derailed as a result of persistent injuries which showed no respite since the 2017/18 season and things hit an all-time low after the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Given his lack of guile at the back in recent months and playing time, the France international is keen on departing and hence, Barcelona have shortlisted Athletic Bilbao defender Unai Nunez as his potential replacement, Don Balon claims. The Basque defender is a solid player and has also been monitored by Arsenal and Bayern Munich in the recent past.
Athletic Bilbao have not been using his craft to the optimum as Gaizka Garitano has opted with playing Yeray Alvarez and Inigo Martinez more often than not. The player is composed on the ball, strong and an aerial beast who is valued at a laughably low price of just 30 million euros. Should Barca invest in him and should he succeed, it’ll be a major advantage in the long run for the club.
Do you think Unai Nunez would be a good signing or should the Blaugrana go for a more established defender?