Barcelona: 3 center-backs the Blaugrana should consider signing in the summer

The summer transfer window has officially started and this one, like every other one, will be full of twists and turns. One of the biggest teams to look out for in this transfer window is Barcelona who have already signed Frenkie de Jong from Ajax, and they are now looking for more positions to fill.

Barcelona won the La Liga this season but their Champions League exit at the hands of Liverpool will hurt them the most. Next season, their purpose would be to win the Champions League and many trophies with it. For that, they need to strengthen some areas on the pitch.

They are in the market for a striker and with Antoine Griezmann stating his desire to leave Atletico Madrid, Barcelona will surely look to sign him. The Blaugrana are also looking for center-backs as they have only three of them in their squad.

So, in this slideshow, we take a look at the three center-backs that Barcelona should look to sign:

#3 Milan Skriniar

Internazionale defender Skriniar could be a potential target for Barcelona.

Barcelona always wants players who are comfortable on the ball and can pass it from the back without any fuss. Inter Milan's Skriniar is one such option Barcelona could look for as the Slovakian is considered to be one of the best center-halves in world football.

The 24-year-old has been Inter's rock for quite some time now and he has many potential suitors all across Europe. He is currently at the peak of his powers and a deal to bring him to Camp Nou might not be cheap, but it will be totally worth it.

Skriniar is a center-back who is dominant in the air and he has that calmness about him while passing the ball. He can fit in perfectly alongside Pique, Lenglet or Umtiti. All in all, Skriniar is another option Barcelona should consider in the long list.

#2 Toby Alderweireld

Tottenham's Alderweireld is currently on top of his game.

Alderweireld has been one of the most consistent center-backs in world football and his experience at the top level will only help Barcelona. The 29-year-old has had a brilliant season and he is currently at the top of his game.

The Belgian has a €25 million release clause in his contract and a player of his quality is a proper bargain at that price. Alderweireld can also push Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique for the starting place and that competition is what you need at a club like Barcelona.

Alderweireld will definitely make Barcelona's defense better as the Blaugrana don't really have the depth in their defensive ranks. Barring Lenglet, Pique, Umtiti, and Thomas Vermaelen who is clearly past his prime, there are no other options for Ernesto Valverde to choose from. So, Alderweireld could be an option Barcelona could go for.

#1 Matthijs de Ligt

de Ligt would be Pique's perfect long-term replacement at Camp Nou.

de Ligt is currently one of the best center-backs in world football and he is only 19 years old. The Holland international is a player who will fit seamlessly into the Barcelona system as he has the technical ability of a midfielder and he loves to get on the ball.

The 19-year-old is a leader on the pitch and he can be the long term replacement of Gerard Pique as the Spaniard is entering the latter phases of his career. de Ligt is on the wish list of many big clubs in Europe and will not come cheaply for Barcelona.

The Holland International can turn out to be a brilliant signing as he has all the traits you look for in a world class player. If signed, de Ligt has the potential to be Barcelona's rock for at least 10-15 years. If the rumors are to be believed, Barcelona are thoroughly interested in his services.