Barcelona: Leicester City defender identified as ideal partner for Gerard Pique
A defensive overhaul is on Barcelona’s agenda this summer.
The Blaugranas have their eyes set on the European prize as they seek redemption in what has been a disappointing season, facing the prospect of a trophyless campaign unless they manage to lift the Champions League.
Quique Setien, who conceded the La Liga title to arch-rivals Real Madrid, faces an uncertain future at the club after failing to convince the squad members to follow his philosophy. But, Barcelona’s issues stretches till the boardroom, who needs to sort out their scattergun recruitment policy.
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In a bid to make amends, the Azulgrana hierarchy is chalking a contingency plan in a summer where they operate with extremely tight finances. However, there might be an injection of funds should Barcelona manage to cull their expensive superstars deemed surplus to their requirements.
For starters, a defensive shakeup is on the priority list with a desperate need of quality acquisition to compete beside Clement Lenglet for the starting spot with Gerard Pique being the mainstay. Samuel Umtiti, whose career has capsized due to incessant injury concerns, is most likely to be moved on this summer should any potential suitor arrive for his services.
🏟️ Barcelona are unbeaten in a record 35 UCL home matches (W31 D4)
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 8, 2020
Will they keep that run going & reach the last eight? 🤔#UCL pic.twitter.com/xM1hUWmBCF
Matthijs de Ligt – one of the brightest prospects in Europe – snubbed Barca for Juventus due to higher wages offered by the Italian side. As backup, Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof was eyed who was converted into an unsellable asset with a contract extension.
Ultimately, Blaugranas managed to lure a defensive prospect in Jean-Clair Todibo who has failed to live up to the high expectations of the Catalan club. Ideally, Barcelona would hope to get rid of the Frenchman with Everton recently expressing their interest, as per SPORT.
In terms of defensive recruitment, Barcelona have identified a few targets to bolster their backline ahead of the impending season. Eric Garcia, who has rejected a contract extension offer at Man City, is the priority.
A La Masia product, Eric Garcia has been aware of Barca’ interest and is keen to return to his homeland this summer. The player is touted as an ideal player who understands Barcelona’s playing style and could fill the shoes of an ageing Gerard Pique in the long-term.
However, Man City have sounded a warning that their defensive prospect would not be allowed to leave on a cheap, despite running the risk of losing him on a free next season. A solution could be reached with Pep Guardiola interested in Barcelona midfielder/right-back Sergi Roberto.
Related Story. Pep Guardiola eyes a swap deal with Barcelona. light
Besides Garcia, Leicester City’s Caglar Soyuncu has garnered the interest of Blaugrana’s scouting department. The Turkey international has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League since the departure of Harry Maguire to Manchester United.
Considering the business model of Leicester City, Soyuncu would cost a dear amount should Barcelona pursue the services of the 24-year-old, which seems an unlikely proposition, with FCB’s economic status in the hindsight.