What’s the story?
Barcelona have agreed to the signature of Mariano Konyk on a free transfer from Valencia. The 19-year-old defender will sign for Barcelona as soon as the transfer window opens (as he is contracted with Valencia until June this year). According to Spanish outlet Marca, the defender will join the La Masia ranks as soon as he signs in the summer.
Also Read: Reports: Barcelona make official bid of €40 million for Spanish international
In case you didn’t know..
Mariano Konyk played an important role in Valencia’s UEFA Youth League campaign last term. The youngster led his team to the last-16 stage of the competition where they were knocked out by Chelsea.
Also Read: Read: Reports: Barcelona president Josep Bartemou appoints new manager
An Argentine by birth, but of Ukrainian ethnicity the defender is eligible to play for either Argentina or Ukraine but is yet to make a decision on his international future.
The heart of the matter
Barcelona, for all their defensive shortcomings this season will look to strengthen in the summer. They are rumoured to be interested Leonardo Bonucci and Davinson Sanchez to strengthen their backline.
With the likes of Jeremy Mathieu rumoured to be leaving, reinforcements will be integral to the whole rebuilding plan for the new manager. Besides that, it is important for Barcelona to get through young players who understand the club, so the likes of Konyk, after a stint in the La Masia, will be ready for the first team.
What’s Next?
Barcelona have a big summer coming up, a new manager, an ageing squad and potentially the most important summer on their hands in a decade. This season, they might end up with just the Copa del Rey title, which according to their standards is a poor season.
Author’s Take
The fact that Barcelona have been so hands on already ahead of the transfer window, sends a message to their competitors that the club is not going to stand still. Transitioning from their present squad to a younger one (as most would agree), is integral.
A first step in the right direction.
