5 Defenders Barcelona should target instead of de Ligt

#3 Mario Hermoso (RCD Espanyol)

Hermoso has been a leading light in LaLiga

Hermoso is one of the few quality centre-backs that Spain has produced in the last decade after the earlier golden generation (Sergio Ramos, Pique, Carlos Marchena, Carlos Puyol etc).

Originally a left-back during his days as a La Fabrica product at Real Madrid, his move to the central position has paid huge dividends for both club and country.

Strong in the air and calm on the ball, Hermoso cites Ramos as his idol and could bring Ramos-like qualities to the defence at the Camp Nou.

Very left-footed, he would be more of a replacement for one of Umtiti or Clement Lenglet rather than an other-than-de Ligt option.

His knowledge of LaLiga, young age (23) and relatively cheap price (€40m buyout clause) means it would be a good deal for Barcelona.

However, Real Madrid still owns 50% of his rights and could trigger a buyback clause for just €11 million anytime before the end of the 2019/2020 season when the clause expires.

The Catalans would need to move fast if they want the player to avoid having to deal with their hated El Clasico rivals for the first time since Luis Figo moved to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2000.