Reports in Germany indicate that after quite a few years without a new centre back signing, next summer will be the one Barcelona finally end their defensive problems by signings Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund, who have given one of their best players in recent years the permission to speak with the Spanish champions.
According to Bild, Hummels has a release clause of €35 million, and Barcelona, after missing out on centre backs over the last couple of offseasons, will make a much more serious effort bringing in a big name to help their struggling defense. Hummels has been on their sights for quite some time, but they’ve never made an official offer, with Dortmund not showing any indication of wanting to sell him.
However, maybe due to a slight decline in his ability or possibly recognizing they can’t hold on to him forever (although his contract only ends in 2017) or Hummels showing his interest in moving to another club behind closed doors, Dortmund are willing to let him go at the end of the season, while already setting their sights on a suitable replacement, which according to the report is Fabian Schär from Basel.
Regardless of Klopp’s and Dortmund’s taste in young players, which usually proves to be quite right, this might be a major signing for Barcelona. Hummels is a technical centre back who has been recognized as one of the best in the world over the last three or four years, playing a major part in Dortmund’s rise to success, which includes two league titles and making the Champions League final last season.
Barcelona are currently playing the Gerard Pique – Marc Bartra tandem, who are doing alright, but no one is convinced that right now this is what’s best for Barcelona considering the options outside the team. Being soft in the back has been one huge problem for Barcelona over the last two seasons, and it doesn’t seem like the conversion of Javier Mascherano into a central defender or nay other in-house solution will be as effective as spending money on one of the best players out there in this position.