Recent reports from Spain suggest that Javier Mascherano is going to make the opposite trip Paulinho made this summer. The former Liverpool player is all set to leave Barcelona and aboard the ship to China.
Following this departure, Barcelona are expected to look for a Centre Back in the January transfer window. If the reports from the Spanish daily Marca are to be believed the Catalan giants wish to replace Javier Mascherano with Manchester United’s Daley Blind.
Daley Blind has been an integral part of Jose Mourinho’s side in the Champions League but appearances have been limited in the Premier League so far this season. Also, a few Spanish newspapers report that Daley Blind has been put on the transfer list by Manchester United.
Barcelona’s admiration for Blind:
It is said that Barcelona has always admired Daley Blind who is the son of the Ajax great Danny Blind. Barcelona value the Dutchman’s experience a great deal and are prepared to sign him even if he cannot feature in the Champions League. There have been reports of interest from Barcelona for the 27-year-old United defender before also.
Blind can play at centre-back or left-back and thus provides that much-needed balance to any team he plays for. This unique feature of his game has attracted Barcelona to Old Trafford in their search for a defender. In the last year of his contract and with ‘no intention to renew’ United might also be willing to let go of the defender on cheap.
Barcelona DNA in Blind:
https://twitter.com/EASPORTSFIFA/status/939147584622411776
Although it is not as simple as it sounds. Marca has reported, unlike their Spanish counterparts that Blind has the ‘automatic renewal’ clause in his United contract. The Red Devils can activate this clause if they wish and extend his contract by one year.
The Barcelona officials think that Blind has the ‘Barcelona DNA’ and would adapt to the playing style of the club very easily. Blind’s agent, Rob Jansen, is set to have a very busy January with some keen interest from the Serie A as well. With Jose Mourinho open to arrivals in January, Manchester United look set to have quite a hectic January transfer window.
