Barcelona draw up 5 high-profile central defenders they want to sign

Barcelona are looking to sign one high profile centre-back this summer. The Spanish side are looking to bolster their squad for the coming season and Xavi Hernandez wants a prolific centre-back to help improve the defense. 

Andreas Christensen is already joining the club as a free agent from Chelsea. But, another central defender is deemed necessary by the manager to achieve their ambitions next summer. 

Barcelona looking to sign another major central defender next season 

As of right now, Barcelona have Gerard Pique, Eric Garcia, Clement Lenglet, Ronald Araujo (although currently injured), and Samuel Umtiti in the squad. However, they are not being able to provide the quality that is needed to build a title-winning defensive performance throughout the season. 

As many as five names are being discussed as potential targets for Barcelona. Matthijs De Ligt, Pau Torres, Jules Kounde, Aymeric Laporte and Mohammed Salisu of Southampton. 

Although his presence on the list is surprising in comparison to the other names, Salisu might be the only player that Barcelona can actually fund. The Southampton player could come for around €30-35 million, which is half the amount that any of the other players on the list would cost. 

However, the presence of a leader like Laporte or De Ligt could strongly benefit the squad. Gerard Pique doesn’t have a lot of time left on the pitch, and will eventually have to be phased out. As a result, Barca will require a reliable and commanding presence at the back in the near future.