Report: Barcelona set to make January offer for German defender

According to reports from Spanish radio, most specifically Ràdio Sport València, Barcelona is set to make a big offer for Valencia center-back Shkodran Mustafi. The German defender and 2014 World Cup winner arrived last season at Los Che to replace current Blaugrana Jérémy Mathieu, and has been a starter ever since.

The reports suggest that Mustafi, who was already targeted by Barça over the summer, is pushing for a move to Catalonia in January, once the Treble winners are free to sign and register players. He has a €50 million release clause in his contract, but Barça allegedly want to pay €25 million plus a few bonuses to lure the Valencianistas into letting the 23-year-old go.

Mustafi is the first defender linked to the Blaugranes for a winter window transfer. The Catalan giants have only been rumored to sign Paul Pogba and/or approximately 344 wingers to replace Pedro Rodríguez. Which means we should put this rumor in the same category as all the other: paper-selling/radio-promoting stuff.

Mustafi is a good player, but Barça should be interested in developing Marc Bartra now that Thomas Vermaelen is finally healthy and has added another viable option to the defense.