Why Barcelona could do with a defender like Juan Foyth
According to Daily Mirror, Barcelona are planning a summer swoop for Tottenham Hotspur defender Juan Foyth.
The 22-year-old Argentine has made only seven appearances for the North London side this season, falling down the pecking order under new boss Jose Mourinho. Foyth has also not featured in any of the Spurs boss’ Premier League or Champions League squads so far, giving indications that he is clearly not in Portuguese’s plans for the future.
Despite joining the club in 2017 for £8million under former boss Mauricio Pochettino, Foyth has so far made only 36 appearances for the Spurs. Being on the sidelines for too long seems to have frustrated Foyth, who is now itching for more regular first-team action.
Foyth a cheap solution for Barcelona at the back
The Catalans are on the lookout for some new defensive reinforcements ahead of next summer. The club are clearly unimpressed by Samuel Umtiti and youngster Jean Clair-Todibo, who is on loan at Schalke.
Umtiti’s injury concerns are evident, with the centre-back spending more time on the sidelines than on the pitch since moving to Camp Nou back in 2016. The 26-year-old once again suffered a calf injury while training recently, putting them in a spot of bother.
Young defender Clair-Todibo, meanwhile, has failed to break into the first-team since earning a move in January 2019. This had forced the Catalans to send him out on loan in January. However, the youngster has not lived up to his expectations in Germany either.
Umtiti and Clair-Todibo’s concerns leave Barcelona with just two defenders – veteran Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet. Though Pique still remains the Catalans’ first-choice at the back, he turned 33 in February and is way past his prime.
Considering all this, Barcelona could really do with a young defender like Foyth, who is eager to prove a point. Having being denied enough opportunities at Spurs, Foyth will be keen on reviving his career and will get ample game time at Barcelona, considering the latter’s issues in defence.
Predominantly a centre-back, Foyth is also capable of playing in the right-back role – something which makes him a valuable asset for the Catalans if they approach him ahead of next summer. Hence, Barcelona should make the best out of this situation and try landing the Argentine, as he could help them solve their defensive woes.
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Verdict
At the moment, Barcelona just have three defenders in their side and a young addition like Foyth will only make them stronger. Also, with Umtiti’s injury concerns still remaining a major concern, roping in Foyth seems like the safest bet. Also, the young Argentine’s versatility at the back could be of great use to a side like Barcelona.
