Barça keen to cash in on defender, plan to sign replacement for free in the summer

The upcoming two transfer windows will be of utmost importance for Barcelona as they look to turn things around after what has been a disappointing first half of the 2021/22 season.

The Catalans find themselves in financial disarray while performances on the field have hardly been up to the mark. So, it becomes imperative that the club plan and strategise for transfers with care instead of employing a scattergun approach.

There is an urgent need to get rid of players that are deemed surplus to requirements in order to generate funds and free up room on the wage bill. At the same time, the club must also ensure that there is enough depth and balance within the roster.

The impending signing of Ferran Torres from Manchester City has brought in excitement among the fans. But the work in the transfer market is far from done. Another player could be brought in by Xavi Hernandez & co. while the Blaugrana are also looking to offload several stars who are not in the manager’s plans.

One such player who is deemed to be unwanted at Camp Nou is Sergino Dest. The former AFC Ajax right-back has been at Camp Nou for almost a year and a half now but has failed to earn a spot in the side.

Inconsistency, suspect performances in defence, lack of attacking end product have all contributed to him falling out of favour at Barcelona. And the club are very much intent on cashing in on the USMNT international, reports Mundo Deportivo.

It is further claimed that the Catalan giants have already identified a replacement for the 21-year-old in his ex-Ajax teammate Noussair Mazraoui. The Moroccan international has been a much more reliable defender while his attacking qualities have also shone through this season.

Set to end his contract in a little over six months, the 24-year-old would be available for free at the end of the season, which is when Barça intend to strike. The right-back’s name had come up in discussions between club president Joan Laporta and super-agent Mino Raiola recently.

And, there is a belief that signing Mazraoui would in turn helo Barcelona’s chances of landing Erling Haaland as well, who is also represented by Raiola. The Norwegian has been on top of Laporta’s wishlist ever since he returned for his second term as club president.

And, the club believes that replacing Dest with Mazraoui would not only strengthen the squad but also give them an advantage in the hunt for Haaland.