Barcelona make Juventus defender a top prioirity signing
Barcelona have made their presence in the transfer market very clear as they continue to scout for a new striker and centre-back. While the attacking position remains uncertain, Barca are slowly but surely sorting their defensive issues.
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The recent injury to Gerard Pique was a blessing in disguise as it allowed youngsters like Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza to shine through while veterans Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti struggled to live up to their expectations.
This phase has brought some clarity to the club’s defensive struggled in recent seasons. Numerous reports suggest that while Pique is a key figure in the defense, his presence will slowly fade away as he nears his retirement. Meanwhile, both Lenglet and Umtiti will be shifted to a more supporting role while allowing Araujo and Mingueza to take over.
The signing of Eric Garcia from Manchester City further illustrates this idea with the former La Masia graduate hoping for a regular role under Ronald Koeman. Despite Garcia’s arrival, Barca remains on the lookout for another centre-back with reports now reigniting links with former Ajax defender, Matthijs de Ligt.
De Ligt keen on making a switch to Barcelona.
Diariogol suggests that the Juventus defender is keen on moving to the Nou Camp this summer. The Catalans were greatly involved with the player’s signing two summers ago, when they signed his teammate Frenkie de Jong. His agent Mino Raiola, however, stated that a move to Juventus will help him develop more than he could at Barca.
Perhaps the undisputed presence of Pique, with Umtiti and Lenglet fighting for the second spot made it clear that De Ligt would have to fight for a spot in the Barca’s backline. Unfortunately for the Dutch international, things at Allianz Stadium have not gone according to plan.
It is understood that De Ligt is finding it difficult to settle in Italy and wants a move to Camp Nou where his presence is needed. Not only that but the presence of Ronald Koeman along with former Ajax coach Alfred Schreuder will greatly influence the transfer.
The only problem Barca would face is paying De Ligt’s expensive transfer fee with the Italian giants keen on recovering a large part of the 85 million euro they paid for his services.
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Should Barca sign De ligt?