Barcelona is closely monitoring a talented Lens defender as it plans for potential changes in its defensive lineup.
Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, futures appear uncertain at the moment, so the Catalan giants want to plan for the unexpected and look at options to improve their backline.
The 23-year-old Argentine defender has been scouted by Barcelona’s analysis and recruitment teams, which is a good sign as they are looking to add depth and quality to their defense.
Barcelona’s planning as the transfer window approaches shows their intentions to remain competitive in La Liga and across Europe.
The player is Facundo Medina, a 23-year-old center-back who currently plays for RC Lens in Ligue 1, according to reports from Tycsport.
Medina has been a standout player for Lens, providing physicality, tactical discipline, and ball-playing ability in defense that fits Barcelona’s approach and style of play.
Medina’s capability to read the game and play through pressing opposition makes him an exciting option for a club that includes defenders who are comfortable with the ball at their feet, who also provide a solid defensive structure behind the midfield.
With links to the likes of Premier League clubs, look for Araujo to be wanted as Barcelona’s number one center-back.
If Christensen’s role changes, Medina is a reasonable contingency plan for the club.
The interest from Barcelona in Medina demonstrates the club’s wider outlook on squad management regarding building a side within the parameters of fiscal restraint.
Barcelona is juggling the short-term need for reinforcements with future planning, and the relatively cheaper price of the Argentine fits into Barcelona’s current model.
Being 23, Medina presents a very youthful player, yet he already has some value and experience from European football, and being capped for Argentina will certainly enhance his resume.
Although no deal is on the immediate horizon, the scouting efforts from Barcelona certainly suggest they are preparing for any eventuality.
If, eventually, nothing comes of an agreement, it won’t be surprising to see Medina highlighted or under the microscope this forthcoming season.
The Camp Nou supporters will likely take a keen interest in Medina’s performances, in particular to see if Medina could be the next great defensive player to represent the Catalan side.
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