While the January exchange window is still open for business, Barcelona has already settled its summer plans. Erling Haaland remains a leading figure in Joan Laporta & co. for a new season later this year. However, Catalan giants could look to sign with a midfielder in the middle.
With Gerard Pique still undefeated and the future of Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti expected to continue, there will be vacancies in the defense department that will need to be filled.
The names of Andreas Christensen, Matthijs de Ligt are mentioned in the past. But now, Tutto Mercato Web has said that the Blaugrana look to AFC Ajax and Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez as a viable back-to-back option.
The 23-year-old, who hails from Newell’s Old Boys of Argentina, joined Ajax in 2019 after a stint at Defensa y Justicia. Since his arrival, the center-half has been one of the top players of the Dutch giants, impressing with his defensive skills and his ability to play football.
It is these very qualities that have put Martinez on the radar of Barça, like Xavi Hernandez & co. look at an Argentine international player who has played four games as a qualifier for the event at the Camp Nou.
With Umtiti and Lenglet both expected to leave, there will be a need for a left-back in the list, making Martinez a very attractive prospect. In addition, Argentina can also fill in the back left or in the middle of the pitch, which will provide the manager with additional options.
However, considering that the defender’s contract lasts until the summer of 2025, Ajax could demand a fee for its services. With the money tight, it will be interesting to see how Barcelona progresses in this regard, especially with the huge investment that would be required to sign Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
