Barcelona are looking for long term successors to their aging central defensive duo, and are keen on signing two young Colombian defenders in Davinson Sanchez and Yerry Mina.

Barca are keen on finding potential successors to Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano, who have been two key figures in defence for the club. The need to replace the latter may be more pressing, as Mascherano is already 32 years of age and isn’t on the same level as he was before.

Spanish publication Sport now report that Barcelona have earmarked a move for Sanchez and Mina in the near future.

The La Liga giants have already secured a first option right on Yerry Mina, who currently plays for Brazilian side Palmeiras. The Blaugrana can sign the player for €9 million before 2019, provided they agree terms with the player.

The 22-year-old center-back is a key first team player for Palmeiras and has the physical characteristics to thrive at the heart of the defence. Barca will most likely wait and watch before springing a move to bring him to the Camp Nou.

Uruguay's Cristian Rodriguez and Colombia's defender Yerry Mina (R) vie for the ball during their Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier football match in Barranquilla, Colombia, on October 11, 2016. (Photo by Luis Acosta/AFP/Getty Images)
Uruguay’s Cristian Rodriguez and Colombia’s defender Yerry Mina (R) vie for the ball during their Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier football match in Barranquilla, Colombia, on October 11, 2016. (Photo by Luis Acosta/AFP/Getty Images)

The pursuit of Sanchez could prove to be much more complicated though. The 20-year-old had snubbed a move to Barcelona last year, in favour of Eriedivisie side Ajax. Sanchez was believed to be concerned about the fact that manager Luis Enrique intended to make him play for Barcelona’s B team.

The Blaugrana are already facing competition from Everton for the young Colombian. His performances for Ajax have been such that many other top European teams are sure to be scouting him.

Both Sanchez and Mina are still very young, and as such would prioritize regular game-time over the allure of moving to a big club. Sanchez especially will want several assurances as he is already playing at a historic club in a very competitive league.

In the case of Yerry Mina, the agreement with Palmeiras may give Barcelona the advantage, but is by no means binding should the player choose to move somewhere else.

Barcelona are not in immediate need of a central defender, with summer signing Samuel Umtiti showing some promising signs. In this regard, the hunt for the Colombian duo is not likely to be a priority this January at least.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Recommended

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.