Barcelona search for a centre-back but who is the best option?

Barcelona have been linked with all sorts of defenders in recent weeks and the latest rumors suggest Matthijs de Ligt has emerged as the top priority for the Blaugrana.

The club already have a deal in place for Yerry Mina apparently and let’s not forget there’s also Marlon Santos who is on a two-year loan at Nice.

But what other options are there? And who would suit Barca the best? Let’s have a look ...

Matthijs de Ligt - Ajax

Still just 18, De Ligt is the priority according to today’s Mundo Deportivo and Barca want him in January, if possible, and if not, in the summer.

Having come through the ranks at Ajax, he is thought to have the right style for Barca, and despite his age he has already made his international debut.

De Ligt also scored on his debut for Ajax, making him the club’s second youngest goalscorer, and was part of the team that faced Manchester United in last season’s Europa League final.

Dayot Upamecano - RB Leipzig

Upamecano has seen his name linked with dozens of clubs recently and is believed to have a €100 million release clause in his contract.

Club director Ralf Rangnick has also said that they may not be able to keep the 19-year-old if a big-spending club were to show their interest (via ESPN)

The Frenchman is quick, strong, composed on the ball and may well fancy playing alongside compatriot Samuel Umtiti in the heart of the Barca defence.

Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images

Iñigo Martinez - Real Sociedad

A move for Martinez looked on the cards last summer and Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has said he spoke to Josep Maria Bartomeu three times before Barca dropped their interest.

It’s unclear if Barca will return for Martinez, who has a reported €32 million release clause but he would certainly be an experienced option for Ernesto Valverde.

Clement Lenglet - Sevilla

Clement Lenglet’s name appeared only this week with Sport reporting that Barca have been impressed with the 22-year-old.

The Frenchman is fast, left-footed and perhaps more interestingly, has a reported release clause of just €30 million.

The report also suggested that Aleix Vidal could be used in any potential deal, with the 28-year-old wanted by Sevilla and surplus to requirements at Barca.

Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Kalidou Koulibaly - Napoli

Koulibaly was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea last summer but ended up staying at Napoli who have been brilliant this season and currently top Serie A.

Speculation has subsequently credited Barca with an interest but luring the 26-year-old away from Naples may prove tough and expensive.

Mundo Deportivo have reported that Koulibaly could cost €60 million, but reckon that is a figure Barca are not willing to pay.

Jonathan Tah - Bayer Leverkusen

And finally we come to Jonathan Tah with reports having claimed recently that Robert Fernandez has been scouting the 21-year-old.

Tah is a relatively cheap option, he is believed to have a release clause of €25 million, and would also be able to play in the Champions League if he arrived in January.

The defender is an imposing figure, is strong but quick and has real composure on the ball despite his relatively young age.

Which defender would you like to see at Barcelona? Let us know your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below!