Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Toby Alderweireld and Yerry Mina
February 28, 2018
Barcelona's reported interest in signing Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Toby Alderweireld this summer is said to depend on whether new recruit Yerry Mina settles at the football club.
According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Tom Coast of Sport Witness), the Blaugrana do hold an interest in the player and have "moved to find out what his situation is and learn under which circumstances a transfer could be done."
However, the article added that a move will only happen should Mina fail to adapt to La Liga football following his move from Palmeiras.
It was reported earlier this week by Miguel Delaney of The Independent that Barcelona may look to do a deal for Alderweireld at the end of the season.
Delaney suggested the Belgium international has reached an impasse with Spurs over negotiations regarding a new contract. There is said to be a clause in Alderweireld's deal that would make him available to sign for £25 million next summer.
The reported interest in the player makes sense, as Alderweireld is among the best defenders in European football at the moment—Manchester United are also said to be monitoring developments, according to Delaney.
As noted by Dan Kilpatrick of ESPN FC, the 28-year-old makes such a big difference to the side when he's fit:
Whether it's at the hub of a three-man defence or in tandem with compatriot Jan Vertonghen, Alderweireld is often peerless in his duties.
In terms of reading the game, there aren't many better than him in the Premier League. The Spurs No. 4 tracks runs, cuts off spaces and is assured in winning possession back for his team. Alderweireld has never been a player to duck physical battles, either.
Losing him would leave a major void at the base of the Tottenham team. Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News said he would be a fantastic signing for any side:
That includes Barcelona, who would not only benefit from the defensive skills Alderweireld shows consistently but also his ability to distribute from deep positions.
The pursuit appears to hinge on how Mina fares in the early months of his Blaugrana tenure, though. The Colombia international has only made one appearance for Barcelona in La Liga so far, starting in the 0-0 draw at home to Getafe.
Given he's still just 23, in a new culture and under much more pressure than at his previous club, it wouldn't be a shock to see the defender take time to settle. Nevertheless, as these numbers from Sky Sports Statto illustrate, Barca have been excellent at the back this season:
With Samuel Umtiti, Gerard Pique and Thomas Vermaelen to call upon, too, there are a number of high-class options at the back in this Barcelona squad.
Still, if a footballer of the calibre of Alderweireld is available, it would be remiss of Barcelona not to consider a switch, as he would fit into the setup at the Camp Nou well.