Barcelona interested in a pair of young center-backs

Barcelona identify alternatives to Manchester City’s Eric Garcia.

Barcelona’s defensive fragility has been on display throughout much of this season. It has become even more evident with the absence of Gerard Pique.

The club’s need to sign some defensive cover has not gone away despite the fact that they have no president nor do they have the funds to pay for a transfer.

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Yet, the Catalans have identified a pair of centre-backs they believe they could sign during the winter transfer window.

According to Sport, one name is that of Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine fits the bill for what Barcelona are looking for.

He is only 22 and plays on the left side of the defense. He’s versatile and can be used as a left-back as well. Barça’s plan is to sign him on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.

It remains to be seen whether Ajax would be open to such a move. With Champions League experience under his belt, Ajax are likely going to want an amount similar to what they received for Sergiño Dest.

The other option Barcelona are shuffling comes from France in the shape of Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara. The 21-year-old defender is one the Barcelona sporting department have highlighted for the upcoming board.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the club scouts have been scouting Kamara for about four years. Aside from height, he has all the qualities Barcelona are looking for. He can play with both feet, reads the game well and is not afraid to bring the ball from out the back. Like Martinez, he also has experience at the top level as he is a fixture in the team managed by André Villas-Boas.

However, signing him will not be easy. The report also claims the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City are also said to be interested. Marseille would want between €25-€30 million for Kamara. An amount Barca are likely to balk at given their financial situation.

Both players are alternatives to City’s Eric Garcia who remains their top target. Personal terms have been agreed with Garcia but it remains to be seen if he comes in January or on a free transfer next summer.

Barça have tried to negotiate with City for Garcia but have balked at their demands. The club have also been linked with other, older players, but with an already disjointed squad, the last thing they need is players who are not going to perform and be on high wages.