Liverpool interested in signing 26-year-old ex-Barcelona star on free transfer next summer: Reports

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing former Barcelona defender Oscar Mingueza. The Spaniard's current contract with Celta Vigo expires next summer.

Liverpool have had injury issues, especially in defense, this season. Summer signing Giovanni Leoni has suffered an ACL injury, while Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley have also had injury issues. They tried to sign Marc Guehi in the summer, but he ended up staying at Crystal Palace.

As per Diario AS (via Estadio Deportivo), Liverpool are now interested in signing Oscar Mingueza. They are looking for a Bosman move by signing a pre-contract with him in January for a potential summer transfer. He will be a free agent in the summer following the expiration of his contract.

Mingueza, 26, came through Barcelona's famed La Masia academy. He made 66 senior appearances for the Blaugrana and also contributed two goals and five assists. He then joined Celta Vigo in 2022 and has recorded seven goals and 12 assists in 120 games for them.

Mingueza has largely played in the fullback position for Celta Vigo, but he has experience playing as a centre-back. He has also earned four caps for the Spanish national team.

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Barcelona interested in Liverpool target for a potential free transfer: Reports

Liverpool were close to signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in the summer. However, as the Eagles failed to sign a replacement for their skipper, the move broke down on Deadline Day. They reportedly still retain their interest in the Englishman, whose contract expires next summer.

However, as per Football Espana, Barcelona are also interested in signing Guehi on a free transfer next summer. The futures of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen are in doubt, and hence, the Blaugrana are looking to strengthen their defense.

Barcelona sporting director, Deco, opened up about the club's links to Guehi earlier this month, saying:

“We have identified a lot of players [as potential options], he’s a good player. We know what we want, but we’re not going to speak publicly about what they are. We’re content to have a young squad, with players from La Masia, allows us to be more calm.”

Guehi has been a key player for Crystal Palace since arriving from Chelsea in 2021. He has made 182 appearances for them and also recorded 10 goals and eight assists. He led the club to its first-ever major trophy last season, as they won the FA Cup, beating Manchester City in the final.

Edited by Aditya Singh