With just one game left in the 2021/22 La Liga season and the second-place finish in the bag, the focus will shift to the upcoming summer transfer window at Barcelona.
The Catalans are staring at a hugely important window as they look to bridge the gap to the top of the table to Real Madrid by adding quality to their ranks after a disappointing campaign.
Indeed, manager Xavi Hernandez is keen on bringing in as many as seven players in the summer, out of which he is targeting two centre-back signings. Of the two centre-backs, one is already signed, with Andreas Christensen set to arrive on a free transfer from Chelsea.
But, the 42-year-old tactician remains intent on adding another ‘world-class’ centre-half to his roster before next season. Considering that Clement Lenglet, Samuel Umtiti and Oscar Mingueza are likely to be moved on, it makes sense for Xavi to want to sign another defender.
And, journalist Javi Miguel claims that the Barcelona manager is keen on signing one of Kalidou Koulibaly or Jules Kounde in the summer
Koulibaly is a player that has been linked with Barça in the past. The Napoli defender will be entering the final year of his contract this summer and would be available for a cut-price fee in the market. A top-quality centre-back with volumes of experience, he can be an asset to the team.
However, Kounde would represent a long-term signing for the Blaugrana considering that he is just 23 years old, whereas Koulibaly is 30. But the Sevilla defender could cost a fortune, considering that he has a release clause reported to be around €90 million.
There have been reports of Sevilla being open to the possibility of accepting Sergino Dest in a player plus cash deal, but it will take a significant financial effort from the club to sign the Frenchman.
Barcelona’s need for another centre-back is exacerbated by the fitness issues that veteran defender Gerard Pique has been going through over the past couple of months.
And a conversation will be held with the senior star in the summer about his physical condition before Barça decide to splurge on another defender. As things stand, it is Koulibaly and Kounde that Xavi fancies and one among the two could arrive at Camp Nou.
