Leaked Barça report casts doubts on Umtiti & Mingueza, recommends Garcia
A report put together by the club has been leaked to TV3 and it's contents are very interesting
A leaked report has revealed why Barcelona are so desperate to sign Manchester City defender Eric Garcia, with the performances of both Samuel Umtiti and Oscar Mingueza put into doubt.
TV3 have had access to the report put together by Barça's current sporting directorate, headed by sporting director Ramon Planes, which recommends signing Garcia this month. The same document also analyses the club's other options in the middle of defence.
The report warns that coach Ronald Koeman currently only has three centre-backs: Clement Lenglet, Ronald Araujo and Samuel Umtiti, explaining that Gerard Pique will be out until April.
However, it adds that Umtiti, due to his injuries, is not a reliable player and may not be available at the key moments of the season.
On Oscar Mingueza, who is playing much more than expected this season, it suggests the youngster is not yet ready to perform in top-level matches. Remember he is still registered with the B team.
In addition, the report says that Barça cannot turn to the B team for further reinforcements because their first choice central defenders are both injured and taking others would affect their form too much.
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As for Garcia, the sporting directorate feel it's a market opportunity that must be taken of advantage of. "Made at home, knows the club and the culture and available at a ridiculous price compared to other players of his profile," it says. "In addition, the centre-back market is scarce and the player accepts our offer rejecting others worth much more financially."
The report also includes an annexe that reflects the need to find an exit for players like Junior, Umtiti and Neto and to make use of more La Masia talent, such as left-back Alejandro Balde.
