The (almost new) defence that Xavi wants for Barcelona

The (almost new) defence that Xavi wants for Barcelona

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In the summer big changes will happen at the back for the Catalans

Barcelona revamped their attack in the winter window and now they need to look at their defence. 

The idea is that in the summer they can get rid of at least three defenders - Mingueza, Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet. Xavi will give them minutes between now and the end of the season but he wants a different profile of defender. We’ll have to see what happens with Pique, but the idea is to sign a defender at zero cost and another who is a top defender.

Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde are the names that stand out in each of these columns, while De Ligt is another, but his Juventus salary is high.

Cesar Azpilicueta is another option, while a left back who can compete with Jordi Alba is needed - Jose Gaya.

The planning is ambitious but necessary. Barcelona have suffered a lot in defence, there are holes that only Araujo is used to filling. The Uruguayan wants to renew and Barcelona are working on that too.

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