Rarely would a season with a League Championship and the Domestic Cup in the bag be treated as “not good enough” in comparison to your rivals. However, Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League triumph has overshadowed what was yet another super season for Barcelona.
With the feeling of their rivals stealing their thunder fresh in mind, the Catalan Giants would want to ensure that any weakness in the squad is ironed out in the summer window. With their attack near perfect, we look at three defensive players they can sign for a £100m.
Hector Bellerin – £40m (Arsenal)
Bellerin has been a shining light in what has been a rather disappointing campaign for Arsenal. With Dani Alves being released by Barcelona, the club will be in the market looking for a replacement. The Brazilian wing-back has been a huge asset to the side and his link up with Lionel Messi has been one of the highlights of his time at the Camp Nou. Replacing him will be a huge task for the Catalans, but in Bellerin, they can have a young player who can come close to the level at which the Brazil star operated. To add to it all, Bellerin is also a former La Masia graduate and we all know how Pique, Fabregas, Jordi Alba came back or were lured to their childhood club.
However, Arsenal are ready to offer the 21-year-old a new new deal to keep him at the Emirates. This, despite his existing contract still have three years to go. Such is the determination of the Gunners to keep him off the Catalan’s grasp. Unlike when they had to let go of the likes of Vieira, Henry, Fabregas, Nasri and van Persie, Arsenal are in a very strong financial position and do not need to sell.
However, everyone has their price. The question is, will it be paid? Barcelona, no doubt, will see Bellerin as a home-grown player with the ability to go some way in filling the big shoes of Dani Alves and might be tempted to go big on the Spanish International.
John Stones – £50m (Everton)
Stones was in huge demand last season, with Jose Mourinho coming really close to landing the English international only for Everton to dig their heels in and refuse to let him leave for Stamford Bridge.
Given how Chelsea’s season panned out, it was probably a blessing in disguise for Stones. However, the English international seemed to have had his heart elsewhere as he endured a rather poor season.
One poor season seems to have not deterred his suitors and interest in him is very much high with both Manchester sides and even Barcelona linked with him.
Stones’ ability on the ball and his composure makes him an ideal replacement for the ageing Javier Mascherano. The English international was dubbed as the future captain of the national side by John Terry and his leadership ability will come in good stead as and when the Argentina international makes way for him.
However, one challenge for Barcelona will be to match the potentially high wages that Stones will be offered by the two Manchester sides and also convincing the defender to leave the north-west of England for sunny Spain. Wait, that should not be that hard, now!
Pepe Reina – £5m (Napoli)
Another prodigal son to return? With Marc-Andre Ter Stegen set to depart northward and challenge Joe Hart under Pep Guardiola, the Catalans will be looking for a reliable goalkeeper to come in the squad and act as a back up to Claudio Bravo.
The pedigree that he has and with a solid season with Napoli, his quality as a number 2 is unquestionable. What can be a challenge is to convince Reina to take up a back-up role since he had already played second fiddle for Manuel Neuer at Bayern Munich and left the club in search of more football. However, the chance to return home, to the place where he learnt his trade, coupled with the chance to win silverware with the best players in the world might be tempting enough for the former Liverpool player to make the switch.
Some other alternative to the above players that the Catalans can go for are, Cesar Azpilicueta for the right-back slot, Ayemeric Laporte for the central defensive position and Simon Mignolet for the goalkeeping slot.