Joan Laporta’s major clean-up operation for Barcelona
![BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Arturo Vidal of FC Barcelona, Sergio Busquets of FC Barcelona, Arthur of FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona, Junior Firpo of FC Barcelona celebrates goal 3-0 during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Eibar at the Camp Nou on February 22, 2020 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Arturo Vidal of FC Barcelona, Sergio Busquets of FC Barcelona, Arthur of FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona, Junior Firpo of FC Barcelona celebrates goal 3-0 during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Eibar at the Camp Nou on February 22, 2020 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/80c797b4773319ed1ce3bfd420575756b04ea2fff5b999ccf7c046f3a1e60627.jpg)
Clement Lenglet
One of Barcelona’s biggest doubts is one of their main defenders, Clement Lenglet. The French international has been Blaugrana’s first team center-back for quite a while and his partnership with Gerard Pique has been the club’s first choice. However, this season after the injury of Pique, players like Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza have shown their potential. Their abilities have shown the Barca board that the youngsters have enough talent to replace the likes of Pique and Lenglet as well. Lenglet on the other hand has been mediocre at best and Araujo has surpassed him in terms of talent. There is a huge doubt on his future after the astronomical rise of Araujo and Mingueza, Plus the arrival of Eric Garcia will further cast a shadow of doubt on Lenglet’s Barca career.
Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza
Araujo and Mingueza have been the two of the most impressive defensive academy graduates this season. The two center-backs were introduced into the first team after the injury of Pique. When the veteran center-back was injured, Lenglet was the only fit senior center-back left. Samuel Umtiti was also out with injuries. Thus the two inexperienced defenders were brought into the team after many delegations. They have been fantastic this season and they have brought a new life to the Barcelona defense. Araujo has arguably been one of the best players on the team the entire season. Thus after such important performances, Laporta has made it clear that he will not be selling either of the players and they will continue to be important members in the Barca renovation project.