'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
It has been a relatively quiet summer transfer window at Barcelona until now, as the Catalans are yet to splash the cash in the market.
Their only new arrivals have been that of highly rated midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who was signed as far back as January from Ajax for the sum of €75m and Emerson, who was brought in from Atletico-MG in the Brazilian Serie A.
This goes in sharp contrast with their direct rivals Real Madrid, who have spent in excess of €270m to bring in five new players to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Blaugrana have been linked with a number of players, with French international Antoine Griezmann leading the pack, but while the 28-year-old could help strengthen the team, the club has more pressing needs.
A glaring but often overlooked problem in the current Barcelona squad is the defense, and this laxity at the back was the reason why they have faltered in the continent in recent years, with their embarrassing exit at the hands of Liverpool being the prime example of the same.
With Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba rapidly approaching the embers of their careers and Samuel Umtiti reportedly on his way out of the club, it is imperative that the club begins to plan for the future of their back line.
In this piece, we shall be highlighting three young defenders under the age of 23 who could help solve Barcelona's defensive woes.
#1 Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt is arguably the most in-demand young player in the world at the moment, as his performance levels with Ajax over the last three years have been so pristine that it has led to his pursuance by a host of top European clubs.
Barcelona had been identified as the favorites for his signature, but they have a battle on their hands for the Dutch international against the likes of Manchester United, Juventus and PSG, who are all among the clubs rumored to be interested in his services.
Despite being only 19, the Ajax skipper has won plenty admirers for his leadership qualities, excellent positioning and reading of the game, while he also poses a decent threat in attacking and defending set pieces.
He would however, not come cheap, as Ajax are determined to get all they can from their prized asset but if Barcelona do end up pushing the move over the line, you can be sure that de Ligt would be worth every penny.
#2 Emerson
While Nelson Semedo might be a more than capable right-back in his own right and one of the best in Europe in his position, the fact that he was the only recognized specialist right-back at Nou Camp for many years was an anomaly to say the least.
This situation led to the redeployment of Sergi Roberto from his preferred position in midfield to the right of defense and the signature of Moussa Wague from AS Eupen in 2018 helped alleviate this concern a bit.
However, given the Senegalese international's relative lack of experience, there was still an underlying feeling that the club might need another right-back.
They did just that when they signed Brazilian Emerson from Atletico-MG in January 2019 for the sum of €12.7m effective from July 1, 2019, loaning him out to Real Betis for the remainder of the 2018/2019 season.
At the Estadio Benito de Villamarin, the 20-year-old starred in six LaLiga matches, catching the eye with his defensive solidity, although his attacking output still leaves a lot to be desired.
Emerson would ostensibly compete with Moussa Wague as backup to Nelson Semedo although he could be sent out on loan or demoted to the Barcelona B team to gain further experience for the future.
#3 Ruben Dias
Ruben Dias is a 22-year-old, no-nonsense defender who has been one of the high rising youngsters in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
He was blooded in the famed Benfica academy, making his bow for the senior team in 2017. Since then, he has gone on to establish himself as first choice at the heart of defense for Los Encarnados.
In two full seasons at the Estadio da Luz, Dias has made 56 appearances in the league as well as 85 in all competitions for the Portuguese giants, while also scoring eight goals. Not to mention, the robust defender was voted as the Primeira Liga Young Player of the Year in his debut season in 2017/2018.
He is also an established international with Portugal and played the full 90 minutes of the final as his nation triumphed on home soil in the first edition of the UEFA Nations League.
Given his stellar performances, it comes as no surprise that he is highly wanted by a number of top clubs, with Manchester United reportedly interested in signing him and as such, Barcelona would have to move quickly if they are to land his signature.
