Throughout Wednesday, there were rumors in the Catalan press that Javier Mascherano played his last game for Barcelona in the King's Cup final over the weekend.
Rumors have spread that the 31-year-old center-back has reached a verbal agreement with Turin's Juventus. Mascherano's contract with Barca ends in 2018, but the player himself has decided to leave the Catalan club after this season.
Catalans announce that in the summer Barcelona is determined to buy a young and strong center-back. Among the candidates are mentioned Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), John Stones (Everton), and Marquinhos (PSG).
It is not yet reported how much Mascherano could cost Juventus, but it is believed that the amount could range from 10 to 15 million euros.
J. Mascherano, capable of playing in the defensive midfielder position, joined Barcelona in 2010. This season, the defender was irreplaceable and played 51 games, but Barcelona's goal is to finally attract a young center-back.
In total, wearing the "blaugrana" jersey, the Argentine played 282 games and won 15 trophies.
