Barcelona weigh experienced defender against rising Uruguay prospect

Barcelona have stepped up their search for defensive reinforcements ahead of the winter transfer window, sending a scout to Argentina’s match against Uruguay at La Bombonera to assess Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez and Uruguay prospect Juan Rodriguez.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick remain determined to bring in a new centre-back in January, despite the financial and negotiating difficulties involved.

Barcelona’s sporting department has been working to conclude a deal after several approaches in recent weeks failed to produce an agreement. The club are continuing to assess available options while seeking a player capable of improving the team without upsetting its delicate financial balance.

Representatives from Barcelona have already been seen watching a number of defenders, including Yeltch, Niegostad and Vuskovic. The club’s attempts to persuade Bayern Munich to loan out Jonathan Tah from January were also reported to have failed a few days ago.

Martinez monitored in Buenos Aires

One Barcelona scout travelled to Buenos Aires to watch several internationals during Argentina’s 2-1 defeat by Uruguay in the early hours of Saturday.

Martinez, 28, was one of the main players under consideration. The Argentina defender has been publicly linked with Barcelona in recent weeks and is out of contract at Manchester United at the end of the current season.

He is regarded as an experienced defender who is strong in one-on-one duels and direct challenges, despite standing 1.76m tall. However, a possible appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as Manchester United manager could lead to a change in his situation at the club.

Until a few days ago, Martinez had made clear both publicly and in private conversations that he wanted to leave Manchester United and begin a new chapter as soon as possible.

He played the full 90 minutes against Uruguay, recording 90 interventions. He completed 71 of 78 passes, giving him a success rate of 91%, as well as making six ball recoveries and three clearances. He won two of his four duels.

Martinez did not have a poor game, but he could not prevent Argentina from losing.

Rodriguez remains an unused substitute

The other player Barcelona wanted to assess was 21-year-old left-footed defender Juan Rodriguez, who currently plays for Cagliari.

Rodriguez has become an indispensable starter for his club and is reported to have impressed during the opening months of the season following a significant improvement in his development. He has also become a regular inclusion in the Uruguay squad, although he remains a substitute behind established figures including Ronald Araujo and veteran defender Jose Maria Gimenez.

Rodriguez did not play against Argentina, meaning Barcelona could not assess him in a competitive setting. Uruguay coach Diego Forlan chose Araujo and Matias Olivera in central defence and made no change in that position, leaving Rodriguez on the bench until the final whistle.

Martinez offers experience and the possibility of an immediate contribution, while Rodriguez represents a developing talent with significant potential. Cagliari are understood to value Rodriguez at no less than 15m euros. The Italian club paid Penarol about 4.5m euros for him just over a year ago.