With the transfer window edging closer by the day, it is expected that Barcelona go for some major reinforcements after a subpar campaign.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are close to resuming normal service as they have returned to individual training on their campuses keeping in mind the social distancing guidelines. The La Liga is expected to resume from the 12th of June and finish in a matter of six weeks or so, allowing the players rest ahead of next season and time for transfers to go through.
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Dayot Upamecano is among those players mutually targeted by either side and as such, the RB Leipzig defender has suitors from the Premier League and other European leagues too. However, it is thought that he is interested in switching to Spain, preferably to Real Madrid to play under his compatriot and idol Zinedine Zidane.
Lionel Messi has been urging the Catalans to do everything they can in their power to keep Dayot Upamecano from joining the 13-time European champions and signing him up at the Camp Nou instead, Don Balon reports. The Argentina international sees the Frenchman as one of the world’s best defenders already and believes he possesses quality to become a Barcelona great.
Real Madrid are looking to replace Sergio Ramos in the coming months with someone younger, so Upamecano has been seen as a perfect one. The former RB Salzburg defender is strong, muscular and is very composed on the ball and should he establish a partnership with Raphael Varane, the defensive duo would be formidable.
On the flipside, Barca are trying to sign a long-term replacement for Gerard Pique whose slowdown has been drastic of late. Samuel Umtiti is more often than not on the treatment table and with Clement Lenglet being the only first-team quality centre-back, it is imperative that the Blaugrana sign another with Upamecano being their preferred choice.
Upamecano is valued at 40 million euros by his club and has seen his valuation fall by one-third due to the financial depression caused by the coronavirus. Such a price is affordable to almost all of his suitors and thus, the project being offered to the central defender may hold key to his choice between all the clubs after his services.
Where do you see Dayot Upamecano following the transfer window?