Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Kostas Manolas Rumours, Fresh Blaugrana Talk

Barcelona will reportedly move for AS Roma defender Kostas Manolas at the end of the season.

That’s according to Lluis Miguelsanz of Sport, who has stated the Liga side have been keeping track of the player for a while. In the report, it’s noted that Barca were keen on signing him in the summer, along with the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester United, although Roma ultimately opted to keep hold of the Greece international.

“Manolas is conscious of the interest Barcelona have in him and has told the club that he would love to sign,” added Miguelsanz. It’s also reported that the 25-year-old models his game on iconic former Blaugrana captain Carles Puyol.

Here is a look at why the Spanish champions are said to be one of many clubs keeping an eye on the centre-back:

The defender has excelled since arriving at Roma in 2014. In a division renowned for quality defenders, Manolas has stood out, showing razor-sharp instincts at the back and the physicality needed to cope with any forward in the division.

On the ball, he’s very capable too, meaning he would fit in well at the Camp Nou. Manolas would potentially be a long-term replacement for Javier Mascherano; he’s a dynamic, front-foot defender who’d be an excellent partner for someone like Gerard Pique.

As these numbers from WhoScored.com show, Manolas is also adept at dominating opponents in the air:

Barca’s centre-back options are intriguing. Pique and Mascherano remain a strong pairing, while Samuel Umtiti and Jeremy Mathieu have both proved to be decent deputies. However, Manolas would offer something a little more forceful at the base of the side.

With Mascherano and Mathieu both aged 32, Barca will have to start thinking about possible replacements. Manolas, due to his style and age, would be a tremendous acquisition.

Barcelona Scouting Alexander Isak

Barcelona and Real Madrid have reportedly joined a host of elite European clubs in scouting AIK Solna’s teenage sensation Alexander Isak.

According to Aftonbladet (h/t Football Espana), the Blaugrana are being meticulous in their assessment of the player having watched him at club level and with the Sweden youth setup. As well as Real, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Leicester City, Liverpool and Southampton are also credited with an interest in the player.

As noted in the report, Isak, just 17, has drawn comparisons to compatriot Zlatan Ibrahimovic, having netted 11 times in 24 appearances for his club.

Here’s a look at why there’s so much excitement surrounding this bright young talent:

For any young attacker, Barcelona will be an alluring proposition. The Blaugrana have three of the best forwards in world football on their books in Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi, while the style of football at the Camp Nou has always been attack-minded.

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Of course, for Isak it would be a long time before he would be getting minutes in Catalonia if he did move. Despite the positive early signs, there are still plenty of refinements for him to make in his game.

With that in mind, perhaps a move to a team like Southampton or Leicester may be ideal for the teenager initially, where minutes in the first team would surely materialise quicker.

Should he go on to reach the same kinds of standards as his illustrious compatriot, the giants of European football will come calling one day.