Barcelona are going to be in the market for a few squad upgrades next summer. Most of their interest will focus on defensive midfielders and attackers, but the Blaugrana could also be looking to beef up depth areas.
João Cancelo’s long-term future in Barcelona is far from a certainty, while the club seem to be interested in some more depth at left back to help world-class youngster Alejandro Baldé.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano reports that Barcelona are among many teams watching Las Palmas left back Sergi Cardona, with the 24-year-old standout set to become a free agent.
That means Cardona could be signed to a pre-contract deal this winter as a free signing in the summer. He would be an excellent free-agent addition – of which Barça often swarm after.
Sergi Cardona is one of LaLiga’s big breakout stars this season
In Cardona’s case, Barcelona would be signing an up-and-coming talent at a scarce position instead of paying a bloated salary to a veteran at a position where talent is easily found.
Cardona has been one of the big finds in Spanish football this season for an exciting newly-promoted Las Palmas.
The left back is averaging a whopping 3.1 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game while helping out offensively with two fouls drawn and 1.1 key passes completed per contest.
Every top club should be interested in Cardona, who has established himself as one of the top left backs in Europe’s top five leagues and not just LaLiga.
So many teams could use Cardona, including Barcelona, even though they already have an even better and younger left back in Baldé. The additional depth, for free, could help greatly, especially with seasons becoming more grueling.
Barcelona may have a disadvantage compared to other teams because Baldé is entrenched, but they do have pulling power. If Cardona wants the allure of Barça, they could have two of LaLiga’s top left backs on their hands.
Former editor of The Real Champs and Old Juve, covering Real Madrid and Juventus
