Barcelona’s priority for the summer is to sign a top-class center-back – one who can potentially solidify and reinforce the department and add stability to Hansi Flick’s high-line.
Alessandro Bastoni, on that front, has emerged as a top target but Barcelona are keeping their options open and have already scouted an alternative target if the Bastoni deal does not go through.
That target is none other than Jon Martin – the young Real Sociedad defender whose agent the club have already met with.
AS, in a recent report, brings to light the qualities of the defender that impress Deco and which are driving Barcelona’s interest in the player.
A unique profile
As relayed by the Spanish outlet, Barcelona and Deco value Martin as he is a physically strong defender with a daunting presence, standing tall at 1.90m in height.
The young defender does not shy away from physical duels and is one to get into them without fearing the consequences. Further, he has a good ability to play the ball out from the back – something rare for a player of such physique.
Barcelona hold an interest in Jon Martin. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
The reason Martin is good with the ball at his feet is that he was a midfielder in his earlier playing days. Having spent several years honing his distribution, he now excels at a skillset that is not typically expected of him but which Barcelona values.
In addition to all of Martin’s qualities as a footballer, Deco values the player’s personality and leadership on the field. He sees him to have similarities with Inigo Martinez, who the club has missed since his departure.
An additional factor that plays into his favour is that he is already integrated into La Liga and has experience playing in the league. That factor is something Deco values a lot, just as he did in the signings of Dani Olmo and Joan Garcia.
It thus remains to be seen how the saga progresses, but the Real Sociedad star appears to be a realistic target for the Catalans come June.
