It was a transfer a long time coming, but Barcelona finally announced the signing of Yerry Mina on Thursday morning, with the centre-back joining from Palmeiras on a five-and-a-half year deal.
The young defender has continuously showcased his potential and for Barcelona to land Mina for just shy of €12m represents a bargain. The Blaugrana have been active in the January transfer market, with the 23-year-old following Philippe Coutinho to Camp Nou.
Head coach Ernesto Valverde had been searching for a new defender since his appointment, particularly with Javier Mascherano expected to depart for Hebei China Fortune this month, and Mina ticks all the boxes as the ideal Barcelona centre-back. A ball playing defender is crucial for the La Liga leaders and the Colombian has the potential to make his mark in Spain.
60.6 passes per game was the best return of defenders in the Brasileirao last season to reinforce a statistically calculated WhoScored strength of ‘passing’. With Barcelona averaging the fourth most possession (61.2%) and fourth best pass success rate (87.9%) in Europe's top five leagues this season, a defender comfortable in possession and able to instigate attacks from the back is crucial.
What’s more is Mina has the positional means to deny opponents without having to resort to last-ditch challenges having averaged 1.9 interceptions per league game with Palmeiras last season. Compared to his new Barcelona teammates, only Jordi Alba and Samuel Umtiti (both 2) can better that return this term.
Alongside Umtiti, the duo have the means to form a resolute centre-back partnership in Barcelona. With Umtiti the older of the two at 24 years of age, the pair have the potential to form a sold long-term defensive partnership at the heart of the Barcelona backline.
Considering his scope for improvement, Mina is a solid acquisition for Barcelona and while they had first refusal on his signature regardless, the defender vastly improves La Liga’s best side and bolsters Valverde’s centre-back options. Given Mina’s ability in possession, he’s likely to quickly become a fan favourite among the Barcelona fanbase.
Don't overrate it. It was a sensible transfer, but this season he'll be a 3rd/4th choice CB at best. Only when Umtiti and Piqué gets injured will he get on the field.