Barcelona are looking to strengthen their defense and have shortlisted Manchester United defender Daley Blind.
Barcelona has conceded just seven goals in the league this season due to the heroics from Samuel Umtiti and Ter Stegan. But the Catalans have lacked the defensive back up on the bench. The board has now shortlisted the red Devils Defender to bring reinforcements at the Camp Nou, according to the reports from Marca.
The defender signed for Manchester United in 2014 but is in the last year of his contract. Despite making more than 100 appearances for Red Devils, the Dutchman has found it difficult to get the game time in the EPL this season. Blind has played every minute of United’s Champions League Group stage fixtures but has been given just 3 starts in the league.
Mascherano’s Replacement?
The reports suggest, Barcelona boss, Ernesto Valverde is a big fan of Blind’s game and versatility. The 27-year old is capable of playing in the center of the defense and also as a left-back.
Daley Blind's first half by numbers vs. West Ham:
100% aerial duels won
8 crosses
3 aerial duels
3 clearances
2 shotsA bit of everything. pic.twitter.com/flc3BH0cuj
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 13, 2017
The Catalans are looking to bring a new defender at the club as the rumors around Javier Mascherano’s move to China keep getting stronger. With both Pique and Vermaelen in their 30s, the Camp Nou outfit will try to get their hands on Blind at the end of this season. Samuel Umtiti’s long-term injury has also exposed Barcelona’s bench strength in defense.
The reports also claim that another Dutch defender, Stefan de Vrij is also on Barcelona’s shortlist. The defender has been in a great form for Lazio and is one of the most wanted defenders in Europe right now.
Author’s Take:
Barcelona are in a dire need of a defender as they realized it after Umtiti’s injury. The Frenchman is the ONLY center-back in his 20s at the club. And with his injury, Barca have been forced to play without any first team CB on the bench. Daley Blind can be a great addition to the squad, but with high-voltage games in the second half of season, Catalans need to get a defender in January.
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