Stephan Lichtsteiner Swap a Clever Short-Term Solution

Posted Monday, December 15, 2014 by Bleacherreport.com

Stephan Lichtsteiner's contract confusion at Juventus could create an ideal solution for Barcelona to orchestrate a swap deal that would see out-of-favour Martin Montoya move in the opposite direction this winter.

According to Joe Short of the Daily Express, Montoya is eager to leave the Camp Nou in search of first-team football and Lichtsteiner would make for a far superior option in their back line.

Stephan Lichtsteiner Swap a Clever Short-Term Solution

Short cites a report from Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo in saying the move may not materialise until next summer when Lichtsteiner's deal in Turin expires, but there's a chance of sanctioning a January switch.

Numerous factors put any move at risk, however. For one, Barca are currently waiting to see if the Court of Arbitration for Sport will reduce their 2015 transfer ban, while David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com also reports Juve's wing-back is close to agreeing on an extension:

Lichtsteiner is expected to be a guest on Juve's official TV channel shortly- new contract with bianconeri is very close

— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) December 11, 2014

Rumours are swirling that Lichtsteiner is close on agreeing to new terms, but Amoyal goes on to add his opinion that Juve need not extend the Swiss international's deal:

@LeutrimRexhaj I wouldn't extend Lichtsteiner, look at how Pereyra & Morata play- they are so motivated to prove themselves at Juve

— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) December 11, 2014

It's for that reason the former Lazio star would be little more than a stopgap for Luis Enrique's side. At 30 years of age, he doesn't possess a long shelf life but is nevertheless close to his prime still and could soften the predicted departure of Dani Alves next summer.

Having signed defender Douglas from Sao Paulo over the summer, Barca already have a rawer prospect among their ranks, but Lichtsteiner would serve in providing a more instant solution.

The Swiss has similar characteristics to Alves too, which would undoubtedly make for a seamless transition. His barnstorming runs from the back have laid the foundation for his considerable reputation in Serie A, regularly lining up in more advanced roles down the right flank when required.

Lichtsteiner has two goals and four assists in 11 Serie A starts this season, per Transfermarkt, and he could find that the faster pace of Spanish football suits his intense style of play more comfortably.

The potential of seeing Montoya move to Italy merely sweetens the deal. The Spaniard clearly doesn't appear up to scratch in Barca's estimations, yet they would be acquiring a potentially elite talent in return.

Stephan Lichtsteiner Swap a Clever Short-Term Solution

At present, the signs are that Lichtsteiner may end up agreeing on a new two-year deal with the Scudetto title holders, but until that extension is official, Barca can hold every hope of intervening with a tempting offer of their own.

Until a decision is made on Barca's 2015 ban, however, there will be no new arrivals in Catalan country. That factor alone promises to be the turning point for the remainder of their 2014-15 campaign and potentially beyond.