Barcelona target defensive duo for future

Bengaluru, September 21: Spanish giants Barcelona target Ajax's Matthijs de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano of RB Leipzig in a view to make them the defensive partnership for the future, reports Mundo Deportivo.

The 18-year-old centre-backs broke into their respective sides last season and have been tipped for great heights since becoming first-team regulars. And the Catalan side are looking to boost their options at the back and will make the pair their main objectives.

The Catalan giants have an extensive scouting team spread across Europe and South America. They have shortlisted many potential future stars but the club has not bid for any of them. That list of players consists of many high-profile players like Iñigo Martínez and Aymeric Laporte.

However, it is claimed that Robert Fernandez is focusing on two primary targets, Matthjis de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano.

RB Leipzig starlet Upamecano is a long-time target of Barceloona while the Blaugrana have started looking into the prospect of signing Ajax prodigy De Ligt recently.

Dayot Upamecano has already proved himself on the European stage, with RB Leipzig and Red Bulls Salzburg. But, he is unsure of taking the next step yet.

The likes of Manchester United and Athletic Club have expressed interest in him, but he doesn’t think that he is ready yet. Liverpool also have been recently linked with a move for the Frenchman.

On the other hand, Barcelona scouts first noticed Matthjis de Ligt last summer while looking for talent in the Netherlands. He caught the eye of Robert Fernandez and has since been on the radar of Barcelona.

Although Barcelona are not going to be making an offer for him in January, the club will go all out to sign him next summer. De Ligt, with his remarkable composure and passing ability, resembles Gerard Piqué from every angle and could be his long-term successor.