OPTION IF BARÇA'S FAIR PLAY ALLOWS IT
The centre-back that Barça is thinking of after the fiasco with Tah to reinforce the defence
Published:27/08/2024 - 21:52h
Updated:28/08/2024 - 02:55h
Barça are still looking for alternatives to strengthen their centre of defence. With the option of Jonathan Tah ruled out, the Catalans are continuing to analyse the Bundesliga market and have reportedly set their sights on Mohamed Simakan, a player from RB Leipzig
The final week of the transfer market will be a very busy one in the offices of FC Barcelona. The Blaugrana club continues to work on putting the finishing touches to Hansi Flick's squad and, although the priority is the arrival of a left winger, with Rafa Leao being Joan Laporta's great dream, the Catalans are seriously considering the possibility of bringing in a centre-back to cover the long-term absences of Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen if 'fair play' allows it.
At Can Barça they followed Jonathan Tah, a Bayer Leverkusen player, very closely, as he is very much to Flick's liking, but aspirin closed the door on his arrival in Barcelona. However, the French portal 'FootMercato' has assured that from the offices of the Spotify Camp Nou they would be on the trail of the 24-year-old centre-back, Mohamed Simakan, a footballer from RB Leipzig and U-21 international with France.
The aforementioned source reports that the Blaugrana entity has already had the first contacts with the German club to find out the conditions of the possible signing of the defender, capable of also playing as a right back. The Red Bulls have reportedly valued the defender at 50 million euros, an unaffordable figure for the Catalans unless they manage to close the renewal with Nike or some other 'lever' that means an extraordinary income.
A difficult option, but not impossible
Despite the complexity of their operation, the Blaugranas could have room to maneuver to make new signings if they get this extra money, with Simakan being a more than interesting alternative due to his youth and versatility. The Frenchman is indisputable for Marco Rose, playing 42 games in all competitions last year and taking part in the two matches that have taken place this campaign.