Barcelona’s interest in 28-year-old Premier League defender can be traced back to 2018 | OneFootball

Barcelona have emerged as one of the potential suitors for Marcos Senesi, the Argentine defender who could be available on a free transfer next summer.

Everything suggests Senesi is not going to renew his contract at Bournemouth, making him an ideal target for a Barcelona side desperately looking for defensive reinforcements.

Senesi’s potential status as a free agent, coupled with his experience at the highest level of football, makes him an attractive target for the Blaugrana.

Barcelona’s interest in Senesi goes way back

However, Barcelona’s interest in Senesi is nothing new, as pointed out by SPORT.

In fact, the club’s interest in the Argentine dates back to the fall of 2018, long before he became a Premier League regular.

Under the management of Pep Segura, and with the sporting direction duo of Eric Abidal and Ramon Planes in charge of scouting, Barcelona closely monitored Senesi during his breakthrough at San Lorenzo.

Marcos Senesi is looking to leave Bournemouth as a free agent. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

At the time, with Thomas Vermaelen struggling physically and Gerard Pique ageing, the club ordered detailed scouting reports on the left-footed centre-back, who was already captaining Argentina’s U-21 side and shining in the Copa Libertadores.

Despite the thorough scouting, a move never materialised seven years ago. Instead, Feyenoord took the gamble, developing Senesi before selling him to Bournemouth for over €12 million.

Now, at 28 years old, Senesi has proven his credentials at the highest level of football by performing for Bournemouth. But after making over 100 appearances for the Cherries, it appears the player is ready to take the next step in his career.

A move to Barcelona could, therefore, be a natural one for the Argentine, who can be viewed as an ideal long-term replacement for Inigo Martinez.