Why Barca want to sign Chelsea veteran Azpilicueta

Robin Bairner

• 15 Nov 2021 14:47 CST
• 5 min read

Cesar Azpilicueta has emerged as a possible transfer target for Barcelona in 2022.

One of a number of Chelsea players who are out of contract at the end of the season, Azpilicueta could join Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Thiago Silva in departing the Stamford Bridge side.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have a limited number of prospects in the transfer market due to their crippled financial status as Xavi attempts to rebuild the side.

There are several reasons why Barca are interested in Azpilicueta – and crucially some evidence why it is a deal that could happen.

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Azpilicueta’s free agent status

Perhaps the most obvious reason why Azpilicueta could be heading to Camp Nou is his status as a free agent.

Barcelona are unlikely to be able to pay a fee for any player next summer, so they will be limited in players whose contracts are expiring.

Azpilicueta falls neatly into this category and is of sufficient quality to play for the club.

Additionally, he does not fall into the category of expensive superstar. Indeed, he is one of Chelsea’s poorer paid players – another attractive attribute for Barcelona.

Ability to play in a back three

Xavi has used a 3-4-3 formation extensively with Al-Sadd, while Azpilicueta has played on the right side of a defensive three regularly with Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel.

Furthermore, he would arguably be more successful in that position in La Liga, where there is a lesser emphasis on aerial play than there is in England.

Azpilicueta could, therefore, fit neatly into Xavi’s plans.

Experience

With Gerard Pique’s star starting fade, there is every chance that he could drop out of the starting XI next season.

Although Dani Alves is set to be added to the squad, the veteran Brazilian is unlikely to be a regular either.

The 32-year-old Azpilicueta could fill that role of old head in the defence, where Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza are pushing to become habitual starters.