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What’s the story?
Javier Mascherano wants to leave Barcelona and the Catalan side want to sign his replacement before he leaves. They are not willing to spend big on the replacement as they need someone as a 3rd choice centre-back right now but also want him to be young so that he can become a regular later on.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Yerry Mina has been identified as the Argentine defender's replacement. The 23-year-old Palmeiras defender has been rumoured to be valued at just €9 million by the Brazilian side.
In case you didn’t know...
Mascherano's contract expires at the end of the 2018/19 season but the defender is not keen on staying at Camp Nou. He has fallen down the pecking order under Ernesto Valverde and wants to leave in search of regular match time.
The heart of the matter
Mascherano is expected to join Chinese Super League side, Hebei Fortune next month. They are reportedly set to sign the Argentine for a mere €10 million – the fee which Barcelona will end up spending on Yerry Mina.
Palmeiras were not willing to sell him in the winter transfer window but with Barcelona knocking the door again, they have reportedly decided to change their stance. The Brazilian side are demanding €9 million for him and Barcelona are happy to pay them that for the 23-year-old.
What’s next?
Mina is reportedly set to head to Catalonia for his medical in the coming weeks. Barcelona are keen on wrapping up the transfer as soon as possible.
Mascherano is expected to be heading to China for his medical. Some reports suggest that he will wait to see if he has any other good offer from a European club before signing the papers on the table from the Chinese club.
Author’s take
Mina a very good defender and is the best choice for them at the price they are set to pay. However, it's time for the club to start looking into La Masia once again as they have not promoted a defender for a long time.
