5 long-term replacements for Gerard Pique at FC Barcelona

#3 Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig)

The youngster has excelled in a young and excellent RB Leipzig team, he looks set for big things

The 19-year old Frenchman has been one of the standout youngsters in the Bundesliga this season and is perfectly poised to continue his upward trajectory,

Standing at 1.85cm, the graduate of Valenciennes FC’s youth set up is widely regarded along with OGC Nice player Malang Sarr as one of the most exciting center-backs in France under the age of 21.

Blessed with pace, good reading of the game as well as an intelligence belied by his years, the youngster has become an integral element of the defense for his German club; RB Leipzig.

Upamecano is notable for possessing physical and technical qualities that allow him to perform brilliantly as an efficient and offensively involved center-back or if the occasion demands it, as a defensive midfielder (a role he played many times for former club RB Salzburg).

This ease that he possesses to be able to play in both positions means he will be an invaluable asset to FC Barcelona if he moves to Spain as he can cover and distribute effectively in the case of injuries in the center of midfield.

He was rumored to be a summer target for Liverpool FC after they failed in their earlier pursuit of Dutchman Virgil van Dijk but the outstanding sporting director of Die Roten Bullen; Ralf Rangnick reportedly scared away Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool scouts with a €100m asking price.

He will not come cheap but will represent great long time value for the Blaugrana if signed.