Marca reports that Barcelona want Matthijs de Ligt and that he is the ‘dream’ for the Catalan giants. However, it is not going to be easy for Joan Laporta.
The Dutch international was a player who Barcelona tried to sign in the past before he eventually ended up landing a contract with Juventus. Though the youngster has shot down the rumors linking him with a possible move to Barca this summer, the rumours haven’t given up. Barcelona is still said to be in the frame for the 21-year-old.
The deal, however, is going to be a big-money deal, something that the Blaugrana cannot absolutely afford at this stage. However, there is another possibility.
Marca has also reported that Miralem Pjanic, who arrived from Juve last summer, might be on his way out. Massimilliano Allegri has returned to Turin and now wants the Bosnian midfielder back. Pjanic has fallen down the pecking order at the Camp Nou with the 31-year-old said to be discontent about the lack of game time at Barcelona.
The Bosnian arrived at Barcelona last summer following a successful swap deal involving Arthur Melo, who moved the other way. It appears that a swap deal may be on the cards this summer as well.
Now that Barcelona are said to be interested in de Ligt, they could offer Pjanic plus cash to the former Serie A champions. Though it is unlikely to materialise, this is the alternative route that the Blaugrana could use to get to de Ligt.
However, if there is any scope of that happening, the former La Liga champions need to first sell before they spend. The likes of Umtiti, Coutinho, Griezmann and Lenglet are not considered to be untouchable and the Spanish giants would be willing to let go of them should a suitable offer arrive.
However, there is very little chance of de Ligt joining Barcelona this summer and the Blaugrana are also said to be keeping an eye out for Villarreal’s Pau Torres, who has had a very good season.
Torres is also being circled by the likes of Manchester City, and Manchester United and it remains to be seen where the defender ends up this summer.
For now, Barca have reportedly secured the signings of Eric Garcia, Sergio Aguero, Georginio Wjinaldum and are said to be close to signing Memphis Depay as well.
One of the major concerns this season for the Blaugrana was the conversion rate and not the creation of chances. On numerous occasions, Barcelona failed to convert some big chances, which eventually cost them in the end.
Ronald Koeman is expected to continue at the Camp Nou next season, and the squad is shaping up nicely with La Masia talents such as Nico Gonzalez expected to feature in the XI at some point.
