De Ligt, two certainties, two doubts and two sales; Barcelona's defensive plans

According to the newspaper 'Sport', the arrival of the Ajax defender is the absolute priority for Barcelona. However, this will mean a reshuffle in the Barcelona defence, and the Spanish club have organised their centre backs into 3 groups.

The first group is the certainties. Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet will definitely still be Barcelona players come next season. Pique has had a phenomenal season, whilst Lenglet has shown he is a solid player, perhaps lacking the flair from Pique.

The second group is the maybes.The two Frenchman, Jean-Clair Todibo and Samuel Umtiti are in this group. Todibo is considered a bright prospect for Barça, although it is likely that he may be loaned out for some game time next season. Umtiti has struggled this season, first with a knee injury, before his return to first team football has not been in the desired excellence the Spanish giants crave. He may represent good value on the market.

The last group is the two players who certainly won't be around at the Nou Camp next season. Jeison Murillo will return back to Sevilla on loan, whilst Thomas Vermaelen will depart as his 5 year contract ends this summer, and will not be renewed.

So the planned 4 central defenders for the club next season will be the young Dutchman, De Ligt, captain, Pique and Frenchman Lenglet. The club would also ideally like to keep Umtiti, but should he leave, they may well be on the market for another central defender.