3 high-profile center-backs Barcelona should target this summer

#2 Mathijs De Ligt

Barcelona are long-term admirers of the Dutchman.

It looks like Mathijs De Ligt and Barcelona are made for each other. The two parties were strongly linked during the summer of 2019 before Juventus jumped in to snatch the player. Just two years later, the opportunity is opening up again for De Ligt to become a Barca player.

The defender's move to Turin hasn't come out as hoped. He has spent more time on the bench than on the pitch since making his switch to Italy. Barca, meanwhile, are still considering what to do with Miralem Pjanic, who joined them from Juve last summer.

The midfielder was under-utilised by Ronald Koeman last season. He was granted only 619 minutes in La Liga last term with no goals or assists to his name. Max Allegri, who has returned to the dugout at the Allianz Stadium, is reportedly interested in sealing a return for the Bosnian.

Juventus and Inter Milan are interested in signing Miralem Pjanić. To make the operation viable, Barça want to either loan him out with a mandatory purchase option or to propose an exchange deal with another player. Barça's dream is De Ligt. [sport]

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) June 2, 2021

It would be a win-win situation for both clubs if a swap deal can be pulled off involving both players. Given Barca's financial situation right now, this appears to be an ideal move.

De Ligt needs no introduction. He proved himself to the world during his time with Ajax, recording 127 appearances and bagging 13 goals and 7 assists. He continues to be a reliable figure for club and country.

The Dutchman made 27 Seria A appearances for Juve last season, recording a goal and an assist to his name. He is definitely an ideal option for Barca.