FC Barcelona are always working on improving their squad ahead of time in order to be prepared to make certain moves. That is why, even ahead of next summer’s transfer window, the club is already looking at potential targets. Moreover, Barcelona have also reportedly identified positions where reinforcements are needed.
One particular position where the club seems to believe that a new signing could prove to be quite important is the left-back position. With Alejandro Balde still finding his feet under the leadership of Hansi Flick, the Spaniard may need some reliable back-up or a direct competitor to push him more.
So far, only Gerard Martin has stepped up as a possible alternative and while he has been solid from time to time, the defender is not considered to be at the level a Barcelona player should ideally be at. That is why, reportedly as per Hansi Flick’s request, the Catalan giants began to look at Alphonso Davies.
Unfortunately, the demands of the player that are being reported seem to make the deal a difficult one for Barcelona despite the fact that he will likely become a free agent in the summer of 2025. Moreover, with Real Madrid competing for his signature, the deal could become complicated.
As such, La Blaugrana have already made sure to identify a more affordable alternative option in the market as well. According to SPORT, that player would be none other than Hugo Bueno, a 22-year-old Spanish left-back who currently plays his football over in the Netherlands.
A player for Feyenoord at the moment, he also has international experience within the Under-21 Spanish National team, for which he was a regular player. He is currently signed permanently by Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, but is on loan at the Dutch side for now.
Valued at only €6 million, he would prove himself to be a solid back-up option that would arrive at a low price as well. Moreover, with decent exposure to both the Eredivisie and the UEFA Champions League as well, he is a player who knows how to play against stronger opponents.
However, at the same time, the Catalan giants also have the option of recovering Alex Valle at some point. Currently on loan at Celtic, the young Spaniard was quite impressive for Barcelona during preseason and he may still have a future at the club, especially due to the fact that he extended his stay until 2026.