Martin Caceres: Barcelona’s ‘Uruguayan Cannavaro’ on Arsenal, Man City & Celtic Hitlist
Arsenal, Man City and Celtic are turning their attention towards Barcelona’s young central defender Martin Caceres this summer. The Uruguayan has also been strongly linked to Juventus with the Italian club’s administrator Jean-Claude Blanc admitting the interest to Corriere dello Sport, “We are evaluating the possibility to acquire defender Martin on loan from Barcelona.”
“He is a great player, young, strong and determined. He would be useful to complete our roster.”
The 22-year-old has struggled to make an impact at the Nou Camp after arriving in a €16.5m deal last summer. Caceres made just 13 league appearances in 2008/09, of which only eight were starts. A number of those starts came towards the end of the campaign when the Primera Liga title was already in the bag. He did not feature in either the Champions League or Copa Del Rey final successes which has led him to seek a move away from Barcelona.
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Jose Martin Caceres Silva was born in Montevideo and began his career with Defensor in his homeland. He made his debut in 2005/06 but it wasn’t until the following season that he fully showcased his obvious talent. The defender made a total of 26 league appearances (all starts) while scoring 4 goals, picking up 7 bookings and two red cards. Such was the impression he made in that season that Villarreal moved to sign him for a mere €1m in February 2007. The Uruguayan signed a 5-year deal but was immediately loaned out to fellow top division side Recreativo for the 2007/08 season.
Caceres was a massive hit for the club, making 34 league appearances (33 starts), scoring 2 goals, picking up 10 yellow cards and one red. He also ironically scored the winner in a Copa Del Rey clash with Villarreal. The defender played a key role in the club’s survival as they finished in 16th place, two points above the drop.
Despite never playing a match for Villarreal, Barcelona stepped in to sign the player making the ‘Yellow Submarine’ a €15.5m profit in just one year. He has a reported buyout clause of €50 but will be made available for less than the club paid for him.
Caceres stands at just 6 ft but is likened to Fabio Cannavaro in his style and reading of the game. He is a strong quick defender who is deceptively strong in the air and would be an excellent signing for a number of clubs. Arsenal, Celtic and Man City remain in the hunt for centre-halves and Caceres is one of the best young players around in that position despite a wasted season at the Nou Camp. He is also a regular in the Uruguay senior side with 15 appearances to his name. The possibility of an initial loan deal would appeal to the likes of Celtic, Juventus and perhaps Arsenal while City may look to make a permanent move if a big money deal for John Terry fails to materialise.
Would you like your club to sign the no-nonsense Uruguayan or would you prefer an alternative target? Let’s hear your views.
Tags: Arsenal, Barcelona, Celtic, Man City, Martin Caceres, Uruguay, Villarreal
