Xavi Wants Barcelona To Sign A Right-Back At All Costs, Three Names On The Table

Xavi Hernandez has requested the Barcelona board to sign a new right-back at all costs, as we close in on the start of the summer transfer window.

The Barcelona coach’s request comes shortly after a slew of speculations regarding the future of Jules Kounde. The Frenchman is reportedly unhappy with his role at Barça and is threatening to leave if he continues to play at right-back next season.

Although Kounde has categorically denied these rumours, he has certainly informed his grievance to Xavi, which may have played a key role in compelling the Barcelona coach to demand a new right-back in the market this summer.

As per the Diario SPORT report, Barcelona have three candidates for the right-back position. The first one is Juan Foyth from Villarreal, even though Barça haven’t had much luck negotiating with the Yellow Submarines over the past year or so.

Another option is Joao Cancelo. Many have even labelled him as the club’s number-one target in the right-back position, due to his technical ability and experience at the highest level of football. Barcelona, therefore, may explore a loan move for the player in the summer.

However, the club’s pursuit of Cancelo will rest on Manchester City, who prefer to sell the player rather than loaning him out once again,

Barcelona’s third option is Benjamin Pavard. The Frenchman has been a target for Barça for quite a while now, especially after his struggles at Bayern Munich. With his contract expiring in 2024, the defender shouldn’t cost a fortune either.

Unfortunately for Barça, Bayern might be apprehensive about letting Pavard go this summer. This is because Cancelo will return to Man City at the end of the season, leaving Thomas Tuchel devoid of too many options in the right-back slot.

Barcelona, therefore, are set for a tricky period in the market, as far as their hunt for a new right-back is concerned.