If Manchester City attempt to make a move for Marc Bartra in the coming days, it’s likely to fail with the defender having reportedly told his club he won’t take advantage of the chance to leave if another team activates his £8.5 million release clause prior to the beginning of July – at least according to Sport’s J. M. Bertran.
The Barcelona defender had been linked with a number of teams, including City, as there were murmurs he wanted to take advantage of a low buyout clause in his contract and move away from the Catalan club in the coming window. However, it would appear he’s decided to stay and fight for his place in the Barcelona backline, challenging players like Gerard Pique and Thomas Vermalaen, who’ll be raring to go after an injury-hit season.
On July 1st, a move for Bartra becomes even more likely with his buyout clause set to rise to £35 million when the transfer window officially opens. At £8.5m, he looked a cheap and high-potential option for a lot of teams, and after City’s defence have struggled in recent seasons he could be a possible solution to that. At the price being quoted, it wouldn’t have left much pressure on him either.
However, due to Luis Enrique’s confidence in the defender he’s decided to remain in Eastern Spain and fight for his future, as he’s still keen to make it in the first team rather than complete a move away. A City move for a central defender has looked unlikely this window, but if they are keen to bring another one in they’ll now have to look elsewhere.
