Barcelona Transfer News: Major Thiago Silva, Marquinhos Rumours Emerge

Barcelona are reportedly set to give their defence a facelift this summer, with stories linking the club with moves for Paris Saint-Germain duo Thiago Silva and Marquinhos.

According to Sport (h/t James Cambridge of the Daily Express), the Blaugrana are said to have been keeping tabs on Marquinhos for a while, with suggestions a meeting was held between the player’s and the club’s representatives about a £23 million move.

Robin Bairner of Goal outlined the nature of the reports linking Silva with a move to Spain and how it’s a transfer that’d potentially aid the French champions in keeping hold of the younger defender:

Speaking about a possible move, Marquinhos’ brother Luan Aoas told Canal+ (h/t Alex Wood of the Daily Star): “There are a lot of clubs who are interested in Marquinhos. They have already spoken with me. With the club, Marquinhos’ agent, myself and my father we will make a decision.”

Silvia Izquierdo/Associated Press

With these two and David Luiz on their books, PSG are in possession of some of the most gifted centre-backs in the game. Here’s how the pair linked with a move to Barcelona fare statistically in league matches compared to the Blaugrana’s star man at the back, Gerard Pique:

	Marquinhos	Silva	Pique
Apps (Sub)	15 (9)	26 (1)	27
Goals	0	1	2
Tackles per game	1.4	1.8	1.3
Interceptions per game	1.2	3.2	1.9
Clearances per game	3	4.6	3.7
Blocks per game	0.5	0.5	0.6
Passing accuracy	92.9 %	94.5 %	90.4 %

Silva leaving the club would be a huge blow for PSG. Not only has he grown into a figurehead and a superb leader for this team, he’s one of the most talented defenders in world football.

Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images

It’s very difficult to find a weakness in the 31-year-old’s game, which could explain Barcelona’s interest. The Brazil international is powerful in the air, dynamic tracking runners and very rarely comes off second best when it comes to physical battles. Silva is very much the complete defender.

As noted by Sport Witness, the French press consider the centre-back a very consistent operator:

That’s why, despite the 10-year age gap between the two, PSG may prefer to sell Marquinhos instead.

The former Roma man remains behind Luiz and Silva in the pecking order at the Parc des Princes, meaning when he does come into the side, it’s often in a right-back role—a position that doesn’t bring the best from his talents. At most clubs on the continent, including Barcelona, he’d get a lot more game time in his preferred role.

Here is a look at why the Brazilian is rated among the very best young prospects anywhere in world football:

In terms of numbers, the Blaugrana look pretty sound in terms of centre-backs. Pique and Javier Mascherano remain the first-choice duo, while in reserve there is Jeremy Mathieu, Thomas Vermaelen and Marc Bartra. But with Mascherano getting older, another exceptional defender would be a big boost to the squad.

Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

Football journalist Juan G. Arango noted the influence of the veteran defender is often not realised until he's no longer there:

Silva might be tempted by the prospect of a move to Barcelona, although it’s very difficult to see PSG selling such an important footballer unless they receive a stratospheric amount of money. Given he turns 32 this year, it seems unlikely the Blaugrana will sanction this kind of deal.

Marquinhos certainly seems like a more attainable target at this juncture, with PSG unlikely to drop Silva or Luiz any time soon. The defender will be getting to a point where he will want to showcase his talent week after week, and the chance to do so at Barcelona, who seem a perfect stylistic fit for him, would surely be a chance too good to turn down.