Thursday, 28th March, 2013
La Liga giants Barcelona are believed to be planning a swoop for €25M-rated Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, as the Catalan club search for a long-term replacement to central defender and veteran Carles Puyol.
Before an ankle injury, which Hummels acquired in the Revierderby at the Veltins Arena when his side faced Schalke, the defender was a core fixture in Jurgen Klopp’s defensive backline, appearing in 34 matches in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing five assists – impressive form that has attracted the Blaugrana.
German daily Bild suggests that Barcelona are keen to make a quick move within this month for the Dortmund defender, especially since it was discovered that Hummels has a €37M exit clause in his contract that will be activated if an offer lands before 1st April.
Barcelona director Raul Sanllehi is cited as the chosen one to personally see the deal through and he is already thought to be in contact with both club and player.
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Hummels’ camp, for their part, have rubbished both the existence of the exit clause as well as the reported contact. “We have not received any approach from Barcelona”, Hummels’ father and agent, Hermann Hummels, told Spanish daily El Mundo Deportivo.
“It is a dream for every player to one day play for Barcelona, Real Madrid or Manchester United, but this does not mean Mats’ departure is imminent”, he added.
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