Why Barcelona should avoid signing Mattia De Sciglio
According to Marca, Barcelona are considering a swoop for Juventus star Mattia De Sciglio if they sell Nelson Semedo in the summer transfer window.
Barcelona were locked in negotiations with Semedo over a new deal, but have failed to reach an agreement. Hence, they are now considering offloading the Portuguese full-back. And should that happen, they are eyeing De Sciglio as a potential replacement. (h/t Marca)
De Sciglio came through the youth ranks at AC Milan and went on to make 133 appearances for the club before signing for Juventus in 2017. Since joining the club, the 27-year-old has made 60 appearances in almost three seasons, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
Barcelona have been well below their best in the 2019/20 campaign. While they may be sitting at the top of the La Liga table, the Catalans haven’t been consistent enough. This led to the sacking of Ernesto Valverde earlier this year, following which Quique Setien took over the reins.
Under the seasoned manager, Barcelona had shown signs of progress, returning to their old philosophy. But the season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Given their inconsistent performances this season, it is quite clear that Barcelona are in need of reinforcements in the summer. The Blaugrana are overly dependent on Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in the attack and that is an issue that needs addressing. The club should also look to boost their central midfield, considering that both Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal could be sold.
Do Barcelona need a new right-back?
However, bringing in a new right-back should not be a priority at the moment. Especially when finances are likely to be impacted negatively due to the coronavirus crisis.
The Catalans have Semedo and Sergi Roberto as the options at right-back, while Emerson and Moussa Wague will also return from their loan spells at the end of the season.
Semedo has contributed with five assists in 29 matches in all competitions this term. Whereas Roberto has chipped in with a goal and two assists in 29 games. Furthermore, Wague, who joined OGC Nice on loan in January, has also contributed with a couple of assists.
However, the pick of the lot has been Emerson, who has shined on loan at Real Betis. The 21-year-old has produced a return of three goals and five assists in 23 La Liga matches so far. At the same time, the youngster has been reliable defensively.
In comparison, De Sciglio has managed three goals and five assists in his entire career (246 appearances). Moreover, the Italian international has spent a lot of time out injured in the last two campaigns and can hardly be considered as a reliable option.
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Both Moussa Wague and Emerson have impressed on their loan spells and have shown they are ready for more responsibility at Camp Nou. And with Roberto also available, Barcelona should have enough options at right-back even if they sell Semedo in the summer.
Verdict
De Sciglio has hardly featured this season and has had a lot of injury problems in his career, making him an unreliable option. In addition, Barcelona will have Emerson and Wague at their disposal next season. Hence, they should have enough depth at right-back even if Semedo is sold. Hence, signing De Sciglio at the moment would be unnecessary.
