Stamford Bridge defender one of six players in the frame to replace Carles Puyol in Catalonia.
Carles Puyol officially hung up his boots earlier this month, bringing to an end his illustrious playing career.
He only ever played for one club, FC Barcelona, winning six La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys, three Champions Leagues and two FIFA Club World Cups with the Catalan giants.
Puyol’s retirement will leave a huge hole at the Camp Nou. We look at the six players that could potentially replace him, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Vincent Kompany – Manchester City
Belgium captain Kompany certainly has the footballing and leadership skills required to replace Puyol. However, Barcelona have little to no chance of prizing away from the Etihad Stadium.
The Brazilian started just 15 Premier League games this season and he could well be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge this summer. Chelsea may attempt to offer Luiz to Barcelona in part-exchange for former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who is reportedly looking to return to the Premier League.
Marquinhos – Paris Saint-Germain
Barca were keen on signing Marquinhos from Roma before he opted to join PSG last summer. The 20-year-old has all the attributes required to emulate Puyol – pace, an impressive leap, strong positional skills and supreme defensive intelligence.
Aymeric Laporte – Athletic Bilbao
The 19-year-old, who turns 20 next week, is very similar to Puyol’s long-term defensive partner Gerard Pique. He is a ball-playing centre-half, who possesses excellent passing skills. Barca are more likely to want someone who is a solid defender, first and foremost.
Mehdi Benatia – Roma
Benatia has enjoyed an incredible season in Serie A. His fine displays saw him hailed as the seventh best player in Europe earlier this week by the second annual BSports Power 50 list, which ranks players based on statistical data. Even at the £30m asking price that has been quoted, the 27-year-old would be a good buy.
Javi Martinez – Bayern Munich
A versatile defender, who can also operate in midfield. Aged 25, Martinez has many good years ahead of him and he could end up being Pique’s central defensive partner with the Spanish national team.
