Barcelona want a centre-back who can play left-back (Sport)

Barcelona want to remodel the left flan for next season. The idea is to sell Samuel Umtiti and Junior Firpo and prioritise the arrival of a left-footed centre-back that can play, if needed, as a full-back. Bayern Munich’s David Alaba would be the ideal choice but it would cost a lot to get him to move away from Bayern Munich and other options are being evaluated.

One of those that stands out the most for his versatility is the Villarreal defender Pau Torres, who has become important for Spain in recent months.

The investment will happen if they can sell Umtiti. The Blaugrana have bet on Clement Lenglet ahead of him so are looking to sign a young replacement with potential but who can also fight for a place. If it’s impossible to sign a central-full-back then they will go for a specialist left back but at minimum investment.

Kurzawa, from PSG is one of the options, and they may loan him. Their last efforts in the position - Lucas Digne for example - have not worked out well.

Barcelona don’t see too many options to cover the position at the club. Juan Miranda is on loan at Schalke for two years. He will not return - if he does, it will only to be sold elsewhere.

Quique Setien has called up Sergio Akieme from the B team. He’s a player the coaches like but is too green to be relied upon. Barcelona are also planning to sell Cucurella to Getafe permanently, although it’s possible other clubs will try to get him too.