How things stand: Left back defender

(a few weeks before the end of the season, Barça Transfer Zone looks forward to the coming transfer summer making an analysis for each position, in part 4 we look at the left back defender)


2007-2008
With Giovanni Van Bronckhorst leaving for Feyenoord last summer, newly transferred French international Eric Abidal (28) became this season the first choice on the left back position. Sylvinho Mendes (34) did not get many chances but proved to be a solid back-up. Gianluca Zambrotta (31) was not used at the left.

Out
With only a not confirmed rumour about Liverpool, Abidal is expected to stay at the club next season. And if Sylvinho (who was linked with AS Roma) accepts the one-year renewal offer by the club, everything could stay the same as far as the left back position is concerned.

In
With Abidal and Sylvinho most probably staying, there have been no rumours about left back defenders possibly joining Barcelona. If Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich - 24) is signed as right back defender, he could also be used at the left.



Read all How things stand contributions here or read the contribution about:
Goal keeper - Right back defender - Central defenders - Left back defender - Defensive midfielder - Attacking midfielders - Wing attackers - Centre forward

Poulsen denies Barcelona offer

Asked about a presumed meeting with Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain last week (read more here), Sevilla midfielder and Danish international Christian Poulsen (28) has denied at a press conference that the meeting took place: "I've read in the papers that I met with Barcelona representatives but this is not true. I don't know anything about that hotel, I was at home that day."

Poulsen, who assured that he could not play this weekend cause of physical problems (read more here), nevertheless said that, although he's happy at Sevilla, all options for the future are open: "I'm very happy here but I don't know what will happen in the future. Every club and every player thinks about himself. For now I don't have any contact with other clubs and I certainly have no concrete offers, those stories are just rumours. But if a club wants to talk with me, they know that I have an agent. If an offers comes in, I will listen to it and see if it's good for my future and that of my family. I also would consider a renewal offer by Sevilla."

Read more:

Meeting with Poulsen

Poulsen punished for meeting with Barcelona

The Poulsen problem

Barcelona is on Berbatov list

British tabloid The People claims that Tottenham forward and Bulgarian international Dimitar Berbatov (27) has rejected a request to pose in the new Tottenham shirt, which is seen as a sign that the player intends to leave in the summer. A Tottenham source is quoted as saying: "It's the clearest indication yet that he'll be off at the end of the season."


When he was then asked what accessories he needed for training and matchdays next season, the Bulgarian striker did not bother making a list of possible teams he could play for next year, amongst which Barcelona. Berbatov is being linked with Barcelona since approximately one month (read more here).

Read more:
Berbatov in exchange for Eto'o
Barcelona keeping an eye on Berbatov
Eto'o for sale

Looking for a subsitute for Marquez

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona is looking for a player who can replace Barcelona central defender and Mexican international Rafael Márquez (29). The club would nevertheless have set a deadline to the search: if no worthy substitute can be found and Márquez cannot be sold within three weeks, the Mexican defender can stay.

His injuries, irregular performances and continuous travelling to Madrid (read more here) have made the club decide that they will try to sell Márquez and to bring in another player who can fill up his role. Atlético Madrid is mentioned as a possible destination for the Mexican. If no replacement can be found, Márquez will be able to stay although he will probably lose a place in the hierarchy, both as central defender and as defensive midfielder.

Read more:
Milan also wants Marquez
Marquez future uncertain
Marquez wants to stay

Drogba could bring more strength up front

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Chelsea forward and Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba (30) is high on the wish list of Barcelona. Drogba could be the alternative for Olympique Lyon forward Karim Benzema, who is the first choice but who will probably not yet leave his club in the summer (read more here).

Barcelona sports director Txiki Begirsitain would like to bring in a tall and strong striker who can play with his back to the opposite goal and who is good with the head. Despite his age, Drogba seems in an excellent form and Barcelona is looking to bring in players who can immediately add something to the team. The transfer could be paid with the sum that will be received by selling Ronaldinho, Henry and/or Eto'o.

The player has in the past declared that he would like to leave England in the coming transfer window. British newspaper The Observer claims that Drogba has told friends that he believes he will be permitted to join another club and has allowed some of his feelings for current manager Avram Grant to become clear. AC Milan would at this moment be leading the race for the Ivorian striker.

Read more:
Drogba determined to leave Chelsea
Chelsea holding on to Drogba
Drogba's dressing room secret