Barcelona is apparently interested in signing Fenerbahce defender Attila Szalai, a 23-year-old Hungarian who is now on the market.

According to Portuguese journalist Pedro Almeida, Barcelona is one of the teams interested in signing Attila Szalai on a free transfer. Besides Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, Sevilla is also interested in the 23-year-old Hungarian defender, but Fenerbahce’s hefty asking price may be problematic for the Catalan club.

Attila Szalai has made great strides since joining Fenerbahce from Apollon Limassol in the January transfer window earlier this season. The Hungarian international, who has emerged as a major role for both club and country, is beginning to attract the attention of some of Europe’s most powerful teams.

Barcelona’s interest is scarcely surprising, given that the club boosted their defence in the summer transfer window

Szalai has made a total of 40 appearances for the Turkish giants so far. He has been scoring goals in intervals and has three goals to his name in the process. He has played for the club since 2007. Fenerbahce, on the other hand, might find themselves in trouble only a year after signing the 23-year-old, since he has attracted the interest of teams like Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Sevilla, among others, in the transfer market.

Barcelona’s interest is scarcely surprising, given that the club boosted their defence in the summer transfer window by adding Eric Garcia. Garcia, on the other hand, has been facing teething troubles at Camp Nou, while Gerard Pique is nearing the end of his playing career, with the consequences of his advanced age beginning to show.

Furthermore, Clement Lenglet has been elevated to the rotational roster, while Samuel Umtiti has been designated as surplus to requirements by the Blaugrana. The signing of a centre-back has now become vital for Barcelona, with Alessio Romagnoli, James Hill, and Jules Kounde among the players who have been linked with the club.

Barcelona, on the other hand, may have an uphill battle in its pursuit and will want to push for a deal as soon as possible

Szalai has now surfaced as a possible target for the Catalan giants, according to reports. When it comes to style, the 23-year-old is a near-identical substitute for Umtiti, who has lately been linked with a loan transfer to Benfica. Barcelona, however, is not alone in its pursuit of the Hungarian defender, who is also being pursued by Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, among others.

Chelsea has also been linked with a January deal for Szalai, who is quickly rising in popularity as a desirable player in the transfer market. Barcelona, on the other hand, may have an uphill battle in their pursuit of the star owing to his high asking price.

While Pedro Almeida has not provided a specific amount, he has hinted that Szalai’s asking price may be too expensive for Barcelona. There is no telling if the Blaugrana can do anything to fight their way back into contention for his signature or whether he will end up signing with another club instead.