Barcelona join PSG and Premier League clubs in race to sign €25 million-rated centre-back

Barcelona are expected to undergo a busy summer. If finding a new coach is not enough, the club will have to churn out the market to reinforce the squad.

One of the focus areas will be the defensive unit, especially considering the uncertainty looming over the future of Andreas Christensen while Inigo Martinez is not getting any younger.

To no one’s surprise, Barcelona are on the hunt for a new centre-back and one of their top targets could be Murillo.

Who is Murillo?

Formerly of Corinthians, Murillo has been one of the star performers in an otherwise dull season for Nottingham Forest.

A centre-back by trade, the Brazilian has impressed the onlookers with his dominant presence at the back, coupled with his athleticism and work ethic.

Murillo has been the breakout star at Nottingham (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Murillo’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona among the clubs interested in his services.

With Nottingham Forest involved in the relegation scrap, Barça may have an excellent market opportunity to snap up Murillo on a cut-price deal this summer.

Strong competition from PSG, PL clubs

However, according to Daily Mail (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Barcelona are set to face stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign Murillo.

PSG and Barcelona’s paths have crossed in the market multiple times over the past few years. And this year is going to be no exception, with Murillo becoming the main focus.

Apart from PSG, Barcelona are going to face stiff competition from Premier League clubs such as Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Arsenal.

All of these clubs are also sensing a market opportunity and might want to go after Murillo at the end of the season.

This spells trouble for Barça, who are not in a position to economically compete with any of these clubs.

Besides, one would argue that the Catalans have already found their defensive core in the form of Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsi, with Martinez and Jules Kounde serving as excellent alternatives.

Tranfer valuation from: Transfermarkt