There is no doubt that Barcelona are in the market for a new right-back. With Hector Bellerin departing Camp Nou on transfer deadline day in January, there is a dearth of reliable first-choice options in the right-back department.
In their attempt to shore up their ranks, Barcelona are reportedly strongly interested in a move for Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese international has endured a difficult start to his life at Bayern Munich and is likely to be available in the summer.
However, Barcelona are drawing up contingency plans as well, in case they miss out on Cancelo in the coming summer as the operation is considered very difficult to pull off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have identified Thomas Meunier and Diogo Dalot as potential alternatives for Cancelo, whose operation could be tricky due to the club’s financial situation and altercations with the Financial Fair Play regulations.
Meunier has been a target for Barcelona for a while now. The Belgian international’s experience coupled with his attacking prowess makes him an appealing target for Xavi Hernandez, as he looks to find a reliable option at right-back.
With his current deal at Borussia Dortmund expiring in 2024, Meunier should not be a difficult target for Meunier. However, the former PSG star might not be a long-term option for the club.
Barcelona are also keeping track of Diogo Dalot, who was once the club’s desired target in the right-back department. However, signing the Portuguese international will be equally difficult as he is rated highly by Erik ten Hag and Manchester United.
Dalot’s contract at Old Trafford was set to expire in 2023, but Man United exercised the option to extend his future for a further year.
And given his success this season, it is unlikely that the Premier League giants would consider offloading the player in the coming summer, with talks over a new long-term deal already underway for the Portuguese international.
