5 central defenders Barcelona should target to partner Gerard Pique
Barcelona are desperately in need of a central defender with the likes of Mathieu and Thomas Vermaelen destined for the exit this summer. While Javier Mascherano has impressed while playing in that position and Marc Bartra catching the eye often, the Catalans need a solid ball-playing central defender who can carve a niche out for himself alongside the ever present Gerard Pique.
The former Manchester United man has been a revelation for the club ever since returning in 2008 winning the UEFA Champions League four times, the La Liga five times and much much more but ever since Carles Puyol retired, Barcelona's centre-backs have struggled to keep up.
Here are five defenders Barcelona should target this summer to partner Pique:
#5 Marquinhos
A huge talent and one that's often linked with Barcelona, Marquinhos has the age, the speed and the talent on his side to ensure he can succeed at Barcelona for yeras to come. A excellent reader of the game, the Paris Saint-Germain man would be an invaluable asset to the Catalans.
The 21-year-old recently confirmed that he was 'talking to a lot of European clubs' about a move given his failure to break into the Parisian first team ahead of David Luis and Thiago Silva. His irritation at the French capital could be Barcelona's gain this summer.
Given the Spanish game's pace and physical nature, Marquinhos has the physique and the mental capabilities of dealing with both. His ability to dribble decently well when on the ball could be of great use for Luis Enrique and given his pace, can play along the back-line.