3 alternatives Barcelona can consider should they miss out on Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt, the 19-year-old prodigy from Ajax is one of the hottest prospects in Europe at the moment. A fantastic season with his club and country have placed him on the most wanted list of some of the biggest clubs in the world, with the likes of Juventus, Manchester United, Real Madrid and of course longtime admirers Barcelona ready to go all in for him.
He is represented by the notorious agent Mino Raiola, who is known for cutting the best deal for his clients with some of the elite European clubs. With new reports emerging every single day regarding the future of de Godenzonen captain, Barcelona who've already signed his teammate Frenkie de Jong, might want to look at some alternatives just in case he decides to snub the Spanish club for glory somewhere else.
It is no secret that Ernesto Valverde definitely wants to sign a young center-back before the new season gets underway as a long term replacement for Gerard Pique and with the €70 million-rated center-back moving away from their reach it is time they consider some alternatives to him.
Luckily for The Catalans, there are some top defenders that might make Barcelona's defense the best in Spanish top-flight. Here we take a look at three defenders that will be a perfect fit for Blaugrana, if they are snubbed by De Ligt.
#1 Alessio Romagnoli
The AC Milan captain, is finally living upto the huge expectations that were placed upon him since a young age. He has blossomed into a solid center-back, who is quick on his feet, strong in the air and has a good understanding of the game.
Under his leadership Milan's defense conceded 36 goals last season, meaning they conceded less than one goal per match and had the third-best defensive record across the Italian top-flight.
Romagnoli also contributed two goals in the season that saw them qualify for the Europa League.
Though he is yet a far cry from the legendary Alessandro Nesta he often draws comparisons with, under the guidance of Valverde and sharing a dressing room with one of the best in the games in Pique, there is no doubt he'll blossom into one of the best in the world.
At 24 years of age, he is now cemented his place in his national side and brings a lot more experience than De Ligt, that too at almost half the price for the young Dutch defender.