Defenders that Barca should buy and sell next

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Roll up, roll up...

Whether or not LaLiga starts up by June or this season is written off altogether, there will be a transfer window at some point.

And then it could be all change at the back for Barca, who certainly need their defence freshening up.

There are definitely two candidates that should be thrown onto the blaugrana scrap heap whilst they are still relatively valuable.

First out the door has to be Samuel Umtiti.

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Not necessarily because he decided on holistically healing himself rather than receiving medical intervention for his knee problem, though that’s hardly worked out well for him.

More because he’s about as far removed from the colossus that we purchased as it’s possible to be.

His form has been non-existent for a while now, and with the fee and interest that he can command, there are better players out there to give Messrs. Pique and Lenglet a run for their money.

Junior Firpo shouldn’t be too far behind.

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An absolute disaster of a signing. There’s barely a good word I can say about a player who can’t really string two forward passes together.

Was bought to provide cover for Jordi Alba, but when the time has come for him to shine, his light has always been out.

Has looked a totally different player to the one that played for Real Betis, seemingly devoid of confidence each time he’s pulled on the shirt.

But who should they be replaced with?

Paris Saint-Germain’s Layvin Kurzawa will be available on a free transfer, and at 27 years of age, he can provide top level experience and become a real thorn in Alba’s side given half a chance.

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With both Liverpool and Arsenal said to be interested too, he likely won’t be an easy hire, and potentially playing second fiddle won’t necessarily sit well with the Frenchman.

However, competition for places at least gives him the motivation to dislodge a player who has been a shoo-in for Barca’s starting XIs since 2012.

It’s already been documented that Eric Abidal has sent scouts to watch Rodrigo Caio on a number of occasions, and the 26-year-old centre-back has certainly impressed.

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Currently with Copa Libertadores winners, Flamengo, it’s believed the Brazilian club will be looking for around the €30m mark for his service, though Barca would surely try to knock that down significantly.

Another name in the frame to replace Umtiti is Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen.

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Still only 23, the Dane impressed whilst on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach but has only managed 15 games for the Blues since his return.

Frank Lampard might not be keen to see him leave, however, a decent enough bid from the Catalans, or a players plus cash deal, might tempt him to change his mind.

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