Barcelona targeting Man City star to improve defence
Karan Tejwani
- 8 Nov 2022 13:25 GMT
- 3 min read
Barcelona are looking to improve their defence in the January transfer window as they look to add more depth to their side at the back.
The club were taken by surprise when Gerard Pique announced his retirement last week and they have some funds freed up as a result to spend on the team.
Although Barcelona have four centre-backs, they are looking to add more as their current options are lacking fitness and have struggled in the team.
READ: How Gerard Pique's retirement could help Barcelona's transfer plans
Now, they are targeting Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte and according to Sport, the club see him as the ideal option for their team.
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Laporte a target for Barcelona
Previously, Barcelona were linked with a move for Athletic Club’s Inigo Martinez as Pique’s successor and an option for them in the January transfer window.
The club expect to have Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde back to fitness in 2023 and don’t see the need to spend big on a defender in the next transfer period.
READ: Barcelona will pay Sergio Busquets' wages even after he leaves
However, now that Laporte is a possibility, there may be a change in plan as the club’s staff are fans of his profile and feel he’d be the ideal fit for them in the winter window.
Laporte is left-footed and that is the ideal profile – they have no left-footed defenders in their team following the departure of Clement Lenglet in the summer transfer window.
Sport suggest that after six seasons at Manchester City, Laporte would be open to a return to Spain having previously played there when he was at Athletic Club.
He has a contract at Manchester City until 2025 and that could be a problem for Barcelona as he would cost a big sum, especially in the middle of the season.
Barcelona have been interested in him in the past but were unable to get a deal over the line as they were unable to agree a fee for his transfer.
