FC Barcelona are not having a great season by any means up to now. The Catalans have not been able to retain their form from the last season when the won the La Liga title, and a significant decline in the performance of the defence is clearly visible.
Xavi’s men have already conceded more goals in La Liga this season than they did in the entire last season. With this downturn in the defensive performance of the team, the next season may see significant changes in the Barcelona backline.
As already reported here, Barcelona have decided to bring back the La Masia graduate, Chadi Riad from Real Betis. They player has become an important part of the Verdiblancos’ squad, and has played the number of games that would allow Real Betis to permanently sign him for €3.5 million.
However, Barcelona will exercise their right to buy him back for €7 million next summer, and have already shared their plans with Real Betis.
Riad’s arrival at Barcelona will have important implications for the defence, and SPORT reports that one of the current central defenders will have to leave the club in such a scenario. With Riad, Barcelona will have five high-level centre-backs in their ranks, and one of them will depart.
Inigo Martinez is less likely to leave, as he is unlikely to get a high offer at his advanced age. Araujo is also regarded as one of the untouchable players at Barcelona, and the club would not entertain the idea of the Uruguayan leaving, even if Bayern were to offer €100 million for him.
Thus, as per the report, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen remain the two candidates to leave the club next summer. Kounde was brought from Sevilla for €50 million at Xavi’s express request, and his sale can bring a significant amount to the club’s coffers.
Barcelona have also been considering a sale of Christensen for some time now, as he is not an undisputed starter as he used to be last season. Several Premier League sides are interested in the Dane, and a decision about his future will be made in the summer.
