Barcelona Target Manchester United Defender As Xavi Considers Playing De Jong In Defense

Written By Onyeka Daniel

Barcelona are having a mini crisis in their defense at the moment and they could be prompted to make a move during the January transfer window if things don’t improve between now and when the season goes on break.

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For their right-back position, the club have been on the lookout for a player that can hold that position permanently as they’ve been forced into temporary solution. Hector Bellerin is now out with injury and Sergi Roberto is naturally a midfielder but can also play in defense.

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Earlier today, there was a report that the Blaugrana are looking at Manchester United defender, Diogo Dalot as a permanent solution for their right-back and the report is starting to gather pace now.

The 23-year-old Portuguese international is in the final year of his contract with the Red Devils, but they also retain the option of extending the deal by another year to keep him at the club until 2024 and protect his transfer value.

Dalot, this season has been preferred by new coach, Erik Ten Hag over Aaron Wan Bissaka and has been nothing short of impressive, but there’s the feeling that the English club is ready to let him leave if the interest in him becomes concrete.

After spending around €22 million to sign him from FC Porto in the summer of 2018, the defender spent a year on loan at AC Milan before becoming a regular starter at Old Trafford since last year.

Hence, the Red Devils would be looking to recoup at least, the fee they paid to sign him and would make the player available for €25 million if they’re not able to convince him to extend his contract.

Barcelona had shown an interest in Dalot in the previous summer window, in fact, negotiations had been held between the two clubs over a direct swap deal involving him and Sergino Dest. However, the move didn’t happen because Ten Hag was reluctant to let the player leave.

Meanwhile…

Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernandez is considering the possibility of playing Netherlands midfielder, Frenkie De Jong in defense following the injury crisis that they’re currently facing.

With Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde and Andres Christensen out through injury, the Blaugrana are short in the centre-back area and Xavi has admitted that he could be forced to De Jong there, as he only has Eric Garcia and Gerard Pique.

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“Frenkie can play as a central defender – that is something that we tried in pre-season and it worked very well. He is a potent player, who is really fast. But we have other alternatives in that position as well.

“We are very lucky that we have many multi skilled players who are capable of playing in different positions. But Frenkie is an option there.” Xavi said during the pre-match conference ahead of their game against Celta Vigo at the Camp Nou. During their pre-season, De Jong played in that position.

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