Barcelona hopes to sign a new left-footed center back in the summer, which may cause problems for one or two of the defenders presently on the team.
In fact, AS claims that Barcelona would be willing to let veteran defender Jordi Alba go during the summer transfer window. Another Spaniard, Eric Garcia, may also leave the club.
The Barcelona’s connections to left-footed center-halves coincide with this trend. It is said that negotiations to sign Inigo Martinez are already far along.
Aymeric Laporte of Manchester City is also frequently mentioned in connection with a transfer to Barcelona’s Camp Nou, and it’s been said that the Spanish international would even be prepared to lower his salary to do so.
Given that they already have Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia, and Marcos Alonso has also been utilized as a center-back, the Catalan heavyweights will have an overabundance of center-halves should one of them join the team.
In that case, Barcelona wouldn’t be opposed to reducing the size of their defensive unit, with Jordi Alba being the first to go. Recently, the veteran’s participation has decreased, and his contract expires the next year.
Alejandro Balde and Alonso would then be the only alternatives at left-back, as the Barcelona attempted to sell him last summer and might do so once more this season.
The sale of Eric Garcia is also a possibility at the same time. This season, the ex-Manchester City star has found it difficult to remain important in Xavi’s plans. The Spanish international has largely performed poorly, even when he has played.
If still another defender shows up, the La Masia star’s playing time will be further reduced. He will then have to decide whether he wants to stay on as a backup or go in pursuit of regular minutes.