'%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)
Having a strong backline is crucial to building a team that can mount a challenge on all fronts. We've seen how drastically Liverpool have improved following the arrival of Virgil van Dijk in December 2018. They were a promising side that was exciting to watch but they became title challengers after the entry of a world-class centre-back.
Ruben Dias, the 2021 Premier League Player of the Season, was signed by Manchester City last summer. He was one of the signings of the 2020-21 season and it once again proved just how much a top quality centre-back signing can help a team.
Several European giants are looking to strengthen their squads this summer. Fixing a leaky defence is a priority for a number of teams and we could see plenty of centre-backs switching sides over the course of the next few weeks.
Without further ado, let's take a look at five top centre-backs who could be on the move this summer.
#5 Pau Torres (Villarreal)
Pau Torres had an excellent 2020-21 season with Villarreal. He played a starring role in Villarreal's UEFA Europa League triumph. The 24-year-old has garnered a lot of interest from several top clubs and is tipped to move this summer.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with Torres. His exceptional ball-playing ability has caught the eye of many European giants. But he will need to improve certain defensive qualities before he becomes the final product.
Real Madrid have also registered an interest in the Spanish international. Los Blancos need to reinforce their defence. There's a Sergio Ramos-shaped hole in their backline and Raphael Varane is also tipped to leave in search of fresh challenges.
#4 Sven Botman (LOSC Lille)
LOSC Lille beat Paris Saint-Germain to the Ligue 1 title this term at the end of a sensational league campaign. They had the best defensive record in the league, conceding just 23 goals in 38 matches.
21-year-old Dutch defender Sven Botman has undoubtedly been one of their best players this season. Standing at 6"4, Botman dominates aerial duels. He is young and aggressive and has his entire career ahead of him.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that several clubs are interested in Botman after the season he has had. Atalanta and Inter Milan have also been linked with the youngster. Calciomercato.com claims that Nerazzurri Sporting Director Piero Ausilio is a fan of Botman and is interested in signing him this summer.
One thing is for certain and it is that Lille will have their work cut out trying to make the young Dutchman stay beyond the summer.
#3 Jules Kounde (Sevilla)
Jules Kounde admitted in May that he might need to leave Sevilla this summer to achieve his dream of winning major trophies. Speaking at a press conference towards the end of May, Kounde said (via DailyMail):
'I may have to change clubs this summer. I have not decided anything. My goal is, one day, to evolve into a great club to always try to progress, win trophies. To be able to start the season each year by telling yourself that the goal is win a particular trophy. I might have to move, but that's not relevant today.'
Kounde has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in La Liga after joining Sevilla from Bordeaux in 2019 for €25 million. He is now being linked with European giants like Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal among others.
Kounde is currently tied with Sevilla until 2024. As a result, interested clubs will need to break the bank in order to sign him as the Andalusians are not willing to part with him.
#2 Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City)
Aymeric Laporte was Manchester City's first-choice centre-back before the arrival of Ruben Dias. The Portuguese international struck up an effective partnership with John Stones and Laporte fell down the pecking order.
Laporte is a top defender and just like Pau Torres, he has the added advantage of being a left-footed centre-back. His defensive qualities are top-notch and he is excellent at distribution.
The 27-year-old is good enough to walk into the starting lineup of several of Europe's big sides. Towards the end of May, Laporte revealed that he will assess his options after the Euros. He is part of the Spain side that has made it to the semi-final of Euro 2020.
“It’s a very different challenge because I never played less than this year. For me it’s very different, that is difficult to accept.
“It’s good [Stones’ form]. He was not playing during the last two years but he’s come back now. I’m happy for him to enjoy his football. I didn’t get benefits because I played less, but it’s good.
“Personally, I’m happy with what I’ve done this season. When I’ve played, I’ve played really good. Of course you can always improve but I am happy with all that. I hope I can do a very good Euro, then we’ll see what can happen.”
#1 Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Raphael Varane is inarguably one of the best centre-backs in the world. He has already had an illustrious career for both club and country. He also formed one of the best modern day centre-back partnerships with Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid.
With just one year remaining on his contract, Varane seems to have decided that he needs to move on and seek new challenges. Manchester United have been heavily linked with the Frenchman. According to ESPN, the Red Devils are close to agreeing a deal for Varane.
Real Madrid will undoubtedly be a different unit without their extremely reliable and experienced centre-back duo. If Varane refuses to sign an extension, Los Blancos will be forced to cash in on him as otherwise they'd lose him for free next summer.
Also read: Euro 2020: Paul Merson’s predictions for the quarterfinal fixtures
