Alves, Masche futures in the air

The future of Dani Alves and Javier Mascherano at Barcelona are in the air and having a knock-on effect on the club’s summer transfer plans.

Mundo Deportivo reports that both the defenders are unsure about what they want for next season and until a decision is made, Barca can’t fully plan their business, as they may need to replace two regular members of Luis Enrique’s back four.

Technical director Robert Fernandez has already hosted a summit between the club’s hierarchy to discuss all possible options and Barca were already looking to sign two centre-backs, one to start and one as back-up, to cover the departures of Marc Bartra and Thomas Vermaelen.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos and Athletic Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte were discussed but the latter is said to be close to Manchester City and the former no longer in the frame, while Masche’s uncertainty makes the decision harder for the Catalans.

Indeed, of the 10 defenders Barca started this season with, only Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Jeremy Mathieu are certain to be at the club for next year, as Douglas and Adriano are expected to depart, and Aleix Vidal doesn’t have Enrique’s support as Alves’ competition and possible replacement, the Brazilian having outright said he doesn’t know if he’ll stay at Camp Nou.

Tags Dani Alves Javier Mascherano
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