Barcelona will not move for former Madrid defender Pepe
The Portuguese is not an option to help out at the back at Camp Nou
FC Barcelona will make a final decision on whether to sign a centre-back before the transfer window opens on January 1. They're waiting to see how Samuel Umtiti's injury evolves, but in the background they are looking at options in case they need to go to the market.
The latest injury to Thomas Vermaelen (ruled out for a month after the Levante game) will also influence the club's final decision.
alternativEs
Everything suggests they will sign. On the list of alternatives are players with experiences, as well as some younger options. Danish centre-back Andreas Christensen (Chelsea) is the favourite. Other options could include verteran defender Pepe, who at 35 has just left Benfica.
But it's clear that Barça would not cosndier the Portuguese international for two reasons: his Real Madrid past and his character. He played for Madrid for 10 seasons and while he did well, he was always aggressive and, at times, violent on the pitch. He was one of the symbols of anti-Barcelonismo for a while.
In addition, Pepe was involved in one of the saddest and darkest moments in LaLiga's history. On April 21, 2009, he twice kicked Getafe's Casquero after giving a penalty away and then hit Albin in the face in an exhibition of brutality without precedents. He was handed a 10 game ban. In total, he made 334 appearances for Madrid.
