La Masia defender has options to leave Barcelona on loan in the summer

Barcelona are looking at a big overhaul in the defensive department this summer as out-of-favour stars like Oscar Mingueza, Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet are expected to move on.

At the same time, the club have already added Andreas Christensen to the ranks, although the move is yet to be announced officially. And, manager Xavi Hernandez is keen on securing another top-quality defender, with Jules Kounde of Sevilla on the agenda.

And with the Blaugrana also plotting to add the versatile Cesar Azpilicueta to provide cover across the backline, there is unlikely to be any room for Barcelona B prospects such as Mika Marmol and Arnau Comas to get a look-in into the senior setup in the coming season.

Comas’ contract expires at the end of the month and he is already reported to be on his way out of the club. But, Marmol still has one year left on his contract with Barcelona and SPORT reports that the defender could be given a renewal before being loaned out in the summer.

The 20-year-old defender played 36 games for Sergi Barjuan’s team last season and even scored a goal. He was also handed his senior debut by Xavi late in the campaign against Getafe.

A promising left-footed centre-half who can also play at left-back, Marmol has shown great potential. But given the situation at the first-team level, a regular spot is unlikely to come his way in the coming season.

So, while the defender could be a part of the Catalans’ pre-season tour to the USA, he is expected to be loaned out, but only after signing a new contract.

The report adds that Marmol is not short of options either, with several clubs from La Liga and La Liga 2 showing interest while some teams from Europe are also keen. So, it will be interesting to see what the immediate future holds in store for the talented defender.