Xavi chooses his centre-back signing for Barcelona – report

Having significantly bolstered their frontline in January, Barcelona will be on the lookout for new defensive signings in the summer transfer window.

At least one new centre-half is expected to walk through the doors at Camp Nou before the next season, given as Gerard Pique is in the final phase of his career while Eric Garcia is yet to hit the heights expected.

Both Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet are expected to be offloaded as well, further alleviating the need for a new defender to maintain depth in the defensive department. Various names ranging from Matthijs de Ligt to Jules Kounde have been linked with a move to Barça in recent weeks.

However, according to the latest report from Fichajes, manager Xavi Hernandez has asked the club to secure the services of AFC Ajax centre-half Lisandro Martinez.

Formerly of Newell’s Old Boys, the defender spent time at Defensa y Justicia before arriving at Ajax in the summer of 2019. He has since grown into a pivotal part of the setup for the Dutch giants, racking up 113 appearances for the club.

The 24-year-old has also established a foothold in the Argentine national team. Barcelona have been linked with a move for him in the past and, as per the report, Xavi wants him as part of his roster for the upcoming season.

It is claimed that the Barça head coach values Martinez’s versatility as he can play at left-back and defensive midfield as well, apart from his primary position at centre-back. His being left-footed would also be an advantage in case both Umtiti and Lenglet end up leaving.

Furthermore, the six-time capped Argentine international is seen as a cheaper alternative, with his market value standing €32 million. Ajax and Barcelona have a good working relationship and it will be interesting to see if the Catalans end up signing another of their players this summer.