If this is to be the end of Yerry Mina’s Barcelona career, we have just one question…
What was that all about?
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Reports out of Catalonia suggest that if the Colombian centre-back is not loaned out this summer, he will be sold.
Mina joined Barca in January of this year, endearing himself to the fans upon his unveiling by stepping onto the Nou Camp turf barefoot as a mark of respect.
Unfortunately for the former Palmeiras defender, his unveiling may end up being the highlight of his Barca career.
He made his competitive debut in the Copa del Rey semi-final, coming on as a substitute for Gerard Pique.
Many thought that a fitting introduction, with fans viewing him as the potential long-term replacement for the decorated veteran.
With the league wrapped up, he was given more playing time at the end of the season.
However, he produced unconvincing displays against Celta Vigo and Levante.
With the latter resulting in a 5-4 defeat that ended Barca’s hopes of an invincible season.
At 23-years-old he has plenty of time to develop.
And he’s certainly not the first player in need of time to adapt to a new league in a different continent.
It seems odd that Barcelona have lost patience with him already — do they regret signing him in the first place?
Pique and Samuel Umtiti is the first-choice pairing and up until midway through last season, Ernesto Valverde had followed the Barcelona tradition of lacking faith in Thomas Vermaelen.
But the Belgian impressed when called upon and now seems to have usurped Mina in the pecking order.
There are persistent rumours of new superstar centre-back on Barca’s summer shopping list.
Quite how much the murmurs unsettle Mina in the build-up to the World Cup, we may never know.
Mina’s greatest crime in this situation may simply be that he is not in possession of a European passport.
La Liga clubs are restricted to a set number of non-EU players and with Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho having arrived in the last year, somebody has to miss out.
Brazilian midfielder Arthur is set to join Barca from Gremio in either July or December (depending on which source you believe) and so Mina may be sacrificed in what would an acceptance of poor planning.
Certainly, Mina has not been given sufficient time to prove himself worthy of the blue and red stripes.
There would be no shortage of admirers should Barca decide to sell their 6ft 5in colossus.
The situation could mean a reduced fee and potential buyers would be wise to act before the World Cup if possible.
An impressive showing with Colombia alongside Davinson Sanchez would complicate the situation further.
We do not know the details of the situation but it seems odd that Barca would look to sign a highly-rated young centre-back when they did exactly that just six months ago.
A loan move would be the ideal scenario for both Mina and Barca, but that may not be possible.
The unsolvable case of Yerry Mina and ill-fated transfer — what was all that about?
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