Barcelona were in the market this summer for a center-back after losing El Jefecito, Javier Mascherano, in January. Yerry Mina may have had a good World Cup but the club doesn’t look sold on his abilities, and with Marlon being unimpressive on loan at Nice, a new center-back was priority. However, Barcelona being Barcelona, they went out and bought another left-footed defender in Clément Lenglet.
While the intention is obviously to give Samuel Umtiti some legitimate competition, Thomas Vermaelen was already in the squad and content with a bench spot despite being one of the club’s senior defenders.