Barcelona looking at Chelsea defender as Pique replacement

In less than a month, Gerard Pique will be turning 35 years old. The veteran defender has firmly established himself as a legend at Barcelona but has been showing signs of slowing down.

While he is very much capable of putting in masterclass displays like the one against Mallorca every now and then, there is a general feeling that he is fast approaching the final days of his career. Given that, and Barcelona’s need to trim down their wage bill, there have been talks of a potential retirement for Pique at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old has made it clear that he will retire at Camp Nou. Pique had also indicated that he would be willing to step down if he or the manager felt he was not adding value to the team. A final call on his situation is expected to be taken at the end of the season.

With Samuel Umtiti also expected to be way out in the near future, Barcelona will need to bring in defensive reinforcements in the summer. And El Nacional reports that the Catalan giants have set their sights on Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea as the long-term successor to Pique.

The German international has been in fine form since 2021 and is one of the best defenders in Europe on current form. Set to run down his contract in the summer, the Chelsea star has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

However, Barça have also now entered the picture and are willing to sign him on a Bosman deal. The report mentions that the former AS Roma centre-half is demanding a salary of around €12 million per year, which is four times what he currently makes at Chelsea.

It has been the main sticking point in talks of an extension with the Blues not progressing. And, Real Madrid are willing to match that figure.

Barcelona’s financial situation makes it difficult for them to shell out such a big pay packet. However, the report adds that the Catalans would be able to meet those demands if they were to get rid of Pique and Umtiti’s wages from the books.

Any move, however, would depend on whether the 34-year-old icon decides to hang up his boots.