With the defense causing some serious issues for Barcelona, a Chelsea defender is being looked on as the potential solution to this crisis.
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique may not have had the best seasons in the last couple of years but one thing that everyone would agree on is the fact that he has a voice that can rule the pitch, and not to mention the quality that he possesses as a centre-back.
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With him gone for at least five months, there is a gaping hole at the centre of the defence and La Masia graduate Eric Garcia is supposed to be Pique’s long-term replacement. However, Manchester City aren’t exactly too happy about letting their youngster go before the next summer. Keeping this in mind, the Blaugrana are eyeing a loan-deal with Chelsea for their Antonio Rudiger as per Todofichajes.
The German is facing lack of minutes at the Stamford Bridge and is eager for a loan move to a club that promises him enough playing time. Rudiger does have enough experience and with the 27-year-old desperate for getting into the German side for the European league next year, one can expect some quality performances from him.
Barcelona will benefit from this move, no doubt about that. Having said that, they must still try hard enough to land Garcia this winter window as this is a golden opportunity to groom him. With a lot of potential in him, he could well be the torchbearer for the Catalans at the back of the field.
The arrivals of Garcia and Rudiger will create a sense of competition in the club, something that has been lacking in the past couple of years; especially in the defence. Clement Lenglet had one of his worst games for Barcelona against Juve and even conceded a penalty to Cristiano Ronaldo. It is in fact a very good time for Ronald Koeman to shake things up a little.
With not enough funds available for a permanent transfer, a loan deal is the best possible available option for the Blaugrana. This possibility must be explored and if Koeman thinks that Rudiger is going to fit into his system, they should go for him. Without a proper defensive system at the back, any of the hopes of winning any title this season look very slim.
Who do you think Barcelona should sign next?