Barcelona FC: Signing Of A Central Defender Is Monumental This Summer

Dominated against Bayern, suspect against Milan and simply just ‘too small’ Barcelona’s defence has had real major issues this season. With their grip on European football dominance out of their hands. Who should they turn to revive their defence?

Barcelona are obviously lacking a presence in the defence, Gerard Pique has never been particularly convincing as a world class defender and Puyol has had too many injury worries. Moreover the upcoming youth such as Marc Bartra, are simply not ready to hack the highest level which Barcelona entails.

Vincent Kompany has been a name that has been thrown about a lot in relation to Barcelona. His presence in the Premier League makes him ideal for Barcelona, but he has been questionable this season. Matija Nastasic has been a much more reliable performer, arguably so have Lescott & Kolo Toure. Recently Kompany played down transfer talk linking him to the Catalan club: ‘I have no reason to go. I’m happy here, I have five years left and if you knew the plans for this team I consider that a real objective.’

Marquinhos has made headlines at AS Roma, the young Brazilian centre back has been a revelation in the Italian capital. Yet to make his senior debut for Brazil and a lack of European football however, it may be agreed that a move to Barcelona may be a step too far. He recently told Sky Italia he has no intentions to leave Roma: “I’m a Roma player, I have a contract and I’m very happy to be here,” Just 18 years old, even making his Brazil debut would a massive leap in his career. Barcelona can wait for moment.

Mats Hummels is a player that would suit Barcelona well, a very accomplished footballer on the ball and very good in the air. His experiences in the past three years have prepared him for the biggest of challenges. With the Dortmund slowing disbanding, a move to Barcelona can’t be rule out. He recently told German paper Bild that he would turn down 99% of most teams, however Barcelona would be in consideration.

The signing of central defender is monumental this season, to put it in extreme terms- it will define them. It will define Tito Vilanova’s reign as manager, this season they have been undermined by their inability to defend, particularly in European away games. Finding the right man is fundamental to their cause.