Milan defender heading to Catalonia?

Spanish newspapers have been running the story that A.C. Milan defender Thiago Silva is close to completing a move to Barcelona. The Catalans are interested in the Brazilian central defender as a long term replacement for 33 year-old Carles Puyol.

One of Silva's biggest talents is his ability to make tackles that don't get him into the referee's book. Last season he played 39 games for Milan and only picked up one booking for the duration. This factor will be very appealing to Barcelona as they already have a level headed defender in the form of Piqué.

Barcelona will have to act quickly though as Silva is gaining more notoriety in the football world and many clubs are keen to add the 27 year-old to their squad. One of Barça's biggest opponents in the race for his signature are Manchester City. The Mancunian club have been looking to bolster up their defence and with captain Vincent Kompany suspended until February, Mancini will be eager to add during this January window.

The Manchester club could scupper any chances of the deal going through though, as want-away striker Carlos Tevez, who is known to be a Milan target, could be a deciding factor. It would seem hope for the Barça signing is still there and would come from an unexpected source as there have been reports that Milan is struggling to pay off the €24 million they paid to Barcelona for Ibrahimović. This could push the Italian club to settle for a cut price bid from Barcelona to reduce the debt from the Swedish striker.

It has been no secret that Barcelona are keen on the Brazillian especially as he would already have chemistry with right back and fellow Brazillian Dani Alves. Plus Puyol is starting to become injury-prone and Guardiola has often played a make-shift defence with defensive midfielders Mascherano and Busquests having to adapt to a different role.

Andreu Fontàs is only the other recognised centre back at Barça and has yet to show he is a player worthy of the Barcelona shirt. Guardiola reportedly made a move for Thiago Silva last summer but was rebuffed by Milan saying they were not looking to sell any of their big players. But with the sale of Ibrahimović, the goalposts may have moved in Barça's favour.

A €25 million bid should be enough for Milan to release the defender who has kept a level head throughout all the speculation. Declaring that it is the club and his agent who deals with contracts and transfer requests. So while this move may not go through during this winter window, don't be surprised to see Silva switch clubs before his 2016-ending contract is up.

Comments

Osasuna shock Barça

Guardiola and substitute Iniesta Osasuna battled the icy conditions to produce a shock 3-2 victory over Barcelona. The Catalans' poor away form continued as they failed to adapt to a frozen pitch and conceded two early goals. A comeback looked likely when Alexis scored in the 50th minute but Barça's hopes faded when Raúl Garcia scored Osasuna's third. Osasuna adapted to the conditions the quickest and found themselves ahead in the fourth minute. Lekic was the recipient of a clever pass that gave him space in the box and he calmly finished past Valdés to make it 1-0. Pedro stared the game but for a player who's game heavily relies on his pace, a frozen pitch is a nightmare. The winger failed to get past any defenders and his shot fired disappointingly wide. Pedro's nightmare was representative of the whole Barcelona game, the world class passing was unable to function in such cold conditions. Lekic doubled his goal tally in the 21st minute. A Barcelona-esqu...

Barcelona and Valencia end level

Barcelona go into their second leg home tie level with Valencia as the game at the Mestalla ended 1-1. Thanks to goals from Jonas and Puyol. The semi-final cup game produced a well contested match with both sides having good opportunities to score. But in the end it was only Jonas and Puyol who could take their chance. Valencia started the game well and were looking the most likely to score. Soldado and Piatti were causing chaos in the Barça defence and it was Saldado who was involved in one of the biggest talking points of the game. The in-form Spanish striker broke past the defence and looked to go round the Barcelona keeper. Pinto raced off his line to the edge of the area and as Soldado attempted to knock it past him, the goalie hand-balled out of his area. Neither the referee or the linesman spotted it and Pinto was lucky to remain on the field Valencia did not sulk though and continued to press, Soldado coming close with a well hit v...

Barcelona book their place in the final

Xavi rejoices after sealing the win Barcelona will face Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final after beating Valencia 2-0 at the Camp Nou. Barcelona were the better team on the night and if they had taken a few more chances, would've killed the game off very early on. Cesc Fàbregas and Xavi Hernandez were both on the score sheet as Barça ensured Pep Guardiola's twelfth final since he arrived on the Barça bench. Both teams started the game with equal opportunities but neither side could create any real goal scoring chances. Feghouli saw his shot hit the side netting before the deadlock was broken in the 15th minute. Cesc Fàbregas made a well timed run and was picked out by Lionel Messi from inside his own half. The summer signing looked to have overrun the opportunity but you can never rule out an inform player such as Fàbregas from finding the net. From the acutest angle Fàbregas chipped the ball over the Valencia keeper and put Barça ahead. This goal jetted Barça i...

A Barça Blog

Search This Blog