In what was their first real test of the season, Barcelona suffered back-to-back defeats in the UEFA Champions League and La Liga, first at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain and then to arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Manager Hansi Flick’s high defensive line has not been able to do the trick this term, and the absence of Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, and Xavi Espart has stretched their back line.
In defence, Pau Cubarsi has only been the bright light for the club, as his centre-back partner Gerard Martin has not been able to match his level, and his recent error against Real Madrid gifted the Los Blancos their opening goal in the El Clasico.
At Barcelona, the job of the centre-back is not only to defend the goal, but also to build up play from the back, distribute long balls into the midfield and wingers, and must have extreme recovery speed to stop opposition counterattacks.
The winter transfer window will present Flick with the opportunity to bring in quality reinforcements to strengthen the defence, and several players have been linked with a move to Barcelona in recent weeks.
According to the Daily Mail (via FC Barcelona Azerbaijan), Barcelona are expected to make an approach for Manchester United defender Leny Yoro, who could leave the club in the upcoming winter transfer window.
It has been suggested that the French international is willing to join Barcelona, though several interested clubs are closely monitoring his situation at Old Trafford.
Leny Yoro arrived at Manchester United from French outfit Lille for a huge transfer fee and hefty expectations, as he was considered one of the most promising young defenders at that time.
However, his move to the Theatre of Dreams has not gone according to plan, as he has yet to cement his place in the first team due to poor form and several injuries, and he has fallen down the pecking order under boss Michael Carrick.
Recently, during Manchester United’s loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League, Yoro’s costly slip at the edge of his own penalty box gifted the Cherries their second goal of the game.
Leny Yoro has a long-term contract at Manchester United, and the Red Devils might not want to part ways with him just yet, as he is still very young, and his current market value is nowhere near what they paid to sign him from Lille.
At Barcelona, Yoro is not the only Manchester United defender on their radar, as the Argentine centre-back Lisandro Martinez is also considered by the club as a possible option, since they could sign him on a free transfer after his contract ends with the Red Devils.
In the event that Barcelona are unable to get Leny Yoro permanently, the Spanish outfit could attempt a loan deal, as Manchester United are willing to listen to loan offers for the French international in January.
The Blaugrana desperately need to fix their backline, and during the winter transfer window, boss Flick will want the club to back him in the transfer market to bring in quality personnel to strengthen and add more depth to the defence.
It remains to be seen whether Barcelona will choose a young defender in the shape of Leny Yoro, who could have a long future at the club, or pick a more experienced centre-back in Lisandro Martinez.
