Exclusive: Unai Núñez knows Barcelona want to sign him

Exclusive: Unai Núñez knows Barcelona want to sign him

Unai Núñez gusta a la secretaría técnica azulgrana
Unai Núñez gusta a la secretaría técnica azulgrana | sport

The young centre back is playing every minute, he has featured in 720 out of 720

At 20 the Portuguese is very solid at the back and doesn't appear to have any weak points

Even Samuel Umtiti's form and the probably signing of Yerri Mina next summer are not stopping Barcelona chasing young centre-backs. The Blaugrana have a list of platyers that interest them, including longer-term pursuits, and one of the names is Unai Nunez. 

The Athletic Club defender has been excellent at the start of the season. Coming from the B team, the 20-year-old has earned the confidence of coach Cuco Ziganda from the first day and featured in every minute of every league game - 720 - showing maturity and reliability.

Barcelona have had good reports on the player for months. However his rise to the first team means the club are paying more attention now, having made informal first contact. The players' people were thrilled to learn of Barcelona's interest and they agree that the best thing to do now is to let him keep getting experience. At 20 he has huge potential and Barcelona are considering him more of a future option than a present one.

The Basque, 1.86m tall, stands out for his reliability and for not making things too complicated with the ball at his feet. Good at marking and reaching loose balls, Nunez doesn't seem to have an Achilles hel, although he can still improve of course. Those who know him off the pitch say he is very professional and focused on progressing.