'%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)
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique could be the next Blaugrana legend to bid adieu to Camp Nou following the departure of Lionel Messi this summer. The defender has admitted that the current season could be his last in the Catalan capital, putting the club on red alert.
Gerard Pique will go down as one of the greatest defenders in Barcelona history. The Spaniard won an unbelievable 34 trophies during his spell with Barca, including three Champions League crowns and eight La Liga titles. He will surely leave behind a big hole when he eventually calls time on his career.
However, it wouldn't be the end of the world for Barcelona, who will be ready to respond, knowing quite well that they are in a transition period. Whether they sign players from the transfer market or to look in-house for solutions, the Catalan giants certainly won't be short of options.
On that note, we highlight five players who could succeed Gerard Pique at Camp Nou should the Spaniard eventually does decide to hang up his boots:
#5 Matthijs de Ligt
Barcelona tried to sign Matthijs de Ligt as a long-term replacement for Gerard Pique following the Dutchman's breakthrough 2018-19 season with Ajax. But they failed to seal the transfer and the player ended up joining Juventus instead.
However, de Ligt's spell in Turin hasn't panned out too well for him, as he's spent most of his time playing catch-up to Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. As a result, he's being linked with a switch to Camp Nou once again.
The centre-back surely has what it takes to make a difference in Barcelona's defense. His height, rigidity, composure, aerial strength and ability to dash forward and score in tense moments make him a like-for-like replacement for Pique.
#4 Ronald Araujo
Ronald Araujo was arguably Barcelona's best centre-back last season. The Uruguayan enjoyed a fabulous breakthrough campaign at the Catalan club, playing 33 games across all competitions and bagging two goals and one assist.
At just 22 years old, the defender already plays with a lot of confidence and composure. His outspoken nature and leadership skills signal him as a decent option to be Barcelona's defensive general in the near future.
Araujo has had the privilege of learning directly from Gerard Pique. He's even lined up alongside the 34-year-old at the heart of Barcelona's defense in several games. He certainly looks ready to take up the baton from the Spaniard.
#3 Jules Kounde
Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde has been heavily linked with a switch to Barcelona during the summer transfer window. But Blaugrana's financial constraints ensured those rumors never materialized.
The centre-back was one of the brightest defenders in La Liga last season, making 34 appearances for Los Rojiblancos and bagging two goals and one assist. Such was the level of his brilliance that a number of European heavyweights, including Chelsea and Real Madrid, tried to prise him away.
Kounde started the new season on an impressive note, putting up spectacular displays to help Sevilla claim victories in their first two league fixtures. The only match in which he didn't feature ended in a 1-1 draw for the Andalusians. With such a level of influence, it wouldn't be a surprise if Barcelona return to sign him as a replacement for Gerard Pique next summer.
#2 Aymeric Laporte
Manchester City centre-back Aymeric Laporte is another player who could fill the shoes of Gerard Pique at Barcelona. The Spain international has been one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League over the last three years. And there's no doubt he can step up at Camp Nou as well.
Like Kounde, Laporte has also been linked with a move to Barcelona this summer. The player was reportedly eager to make the move but the club's economic mess proved to be a huge barrier.
Laporte won't have any problems adapting to Blaugrana's style of play, having thrived in a similar system under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. He's also experienced La Liga, spending six years at Athletic Bilbao and making 161 appearances in the division before leaving for the Premier League.
#1 Eric Garcia
Eric Garcia looks like the heavenly choice to replace Gerard Pique in Barcelona's defense. The 20-year-old shares many similarities with Blaugrana's defense leader in terms of playing style and general attributes. They also have similar backgrounds.
Pique left Camp Nou in the initial stages of his career to gain experience in the Premier League, where he played for Manchester United. Garcia made a similar move when he left for Manchester City in 2017 before returning this summer.
The duo demonstrated perfect chemistry when they lined up beside each other in Barcelona's first two league games of the season. That could be an indication that the Garcia is the right man to pick up the baton from Gerard Pique. Only time will tell, though.
