Report: Borussia Dortmund’s loan approach for Barcelona defender rejected by Ronald Koeman

According to reports from Cat Radio, Borussia Dortmund were interested in the signing of Barcelona defender and academy product Oscar Mingueza.

The German side wanted to push for a loan deal for the youngster with an option to make the move permanent. However, Ronald Koeman blatantly refused to sanction Mingueza’s departure as he had him in his plans.

The La Masia graduate broke into the first team last season when the Catalans were in a defensive crisis owing to injuries. As the season progressed, he became a regular in the first team starting lineup across competitions.

He was also an integral part of the Spanish team that won the silver medal at Tokyo 2020, though an injury curtailed his participation in the latter half of the tournament.

There were doubts regarding Mingueza’s registration with the first team owing to a shortage of slots. However, Emerson Royal’s departure to Tottenham Hotspur has opened up the number 22 shirt.

Albert Roge has reported that Mingueza will indeed take the number 22 shirt after Emerson and will be a part of the first team. Moreover, La Liga’s official website has been updated with the youngster’s name as a first-team player.

Though initially introduced as a centre-back for the first team, the coming season could see the Spaniard in a relatively new permanent role. Eric Garcia’s signing means that central defence is well stocked in resources.

That said, Mingueza could be the first choice backup to Sergino Dest at right-back. This would also mean that Sergi Roberto could continue playing in midfield, where he’s enjoying life with two goals and an assist in a mere 120 minutes.