Barcelona are reportedly leading the race to sign Bundesliga hotshot Melayro Bogarde, who is also attracting interest from a host of Premier League clubs.
According to a report from Todo Fichajes, La Liga giants Barcelona have emerged as the front-runners to sign teenage prodigy Melayro Bogarde from Bundesliga outfit TSG Hoffenheim.
The 18-year-old came through the youth ranks at Dutch outfit Feyenoord before making the switch to the Hoffenheim youth setup in 2018, snubbing interest from a host of Premier League clubs. Having featured heavily for the German outfit’s Under-17 and Under-19 sides, Bogarde made his first-team debut in May last year.
In doing so, Bogarde became the youngest-ever Dutch player in German top-flight history. Since then, the centre-back, who can also play on the right side of the defence as well as a holding midfielder, has gone on to make ten more appearances for Hoffenheim and has an assist to his name as well.
Bogarde’s contract with the German outfit runs out at the end of the ongoing season. This situation has led to him attracting interest from a number of clubs, including Barcelona and AC Milan. In addition, the aforementioned report also mentions that a host of Premier League teams are also keen on the teenage Dutchman.
However, it is being claimed that Barcelona are leading the race to land the 18-year-old. The Catalans are said to have held talks with Bogarde’s agent over the possibility of a transfer when his contract with Hoffenheim runs out at the end of the season.
Barcelona have had their fair share of defensive problems this season, more so with players getting hit with injury problems. Gerard Pique has been sidelined for a while now and will be turning 34 in a matter of weeks. Samuel Umtiti continues to battle injuries and does not seem to have a future at the club, while Clement Lenglet has not always been convincing.
In Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza, Barcelona have found a couple of talented young defenders who have shown the mettle that they can make it at the highest level. Furthermore, the Catalans are also on the verge of signing Eric Garcia from Manchester City.
Bringing in Bogarde, on a free transfer, would add another promising centre-back to their ranks. It now remains to be seen if the Blaugrana do get the deal over the line in the weeks to come.
