The right-back position was one of the weak links in FC Barcelona squad during the last season, as it also has been in all the seasons following Dani Alves’ departure. Kounde and Araujo mainly occupied this position in the absence of a proper right-back, but the club seemingly wants to go into the next season with a natural right-back.
According to SPORT, this is one of the club’s objectives in this summer transfer window, and the to-be sports director at the club, Deco, has set it as a priority objective for Barcelona. The Catalan club is considering getting a young right-back permanently and then trying to get Joao Cancelo on a loan before the transfer window ends.
In this regard, there are two players that the Blaugranes have shortlisted. One is Ivan Fresneda, who currently plays at Real Valladolid and has La Liga experience. The second is the Feyenoord player Lutsharel Geertruida, with whom the club has already been in contact.
The contact with Geertruida started a few months back, and the player has been recommended to the club by Jordi Cruyff. Currently, the player is valued at €18 million, but the Catalans would be looking to close a deal around €10 million and another €5 million in variables.
The player’s entourage has already given its approval to such a move, but Feyenoord would be waiting for better offers before accepting the one from Barcelona.
Geertruida is already a full Netherlands international, and the Catalans are highly impressed with his performances this season, as he made 30 appearances for his side, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists. Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the player and would compete with Barcelona for his signing.
Meanwhile, the main objective of FC Barcelona for this transfer window remains to get Joao Cancelo on loan. The club is making efforts to such an end, but Manchester City want to sell the player permanently, and Arsenal would be willing to buy the player, but Manchester City’s asking price might put the Londoners off.
