While the world of football continues to drool over superstars in attack, for FC Barcelona their defense currently remains the priority. Having to utilize versatile multi-faceted players to cover for their lack of specialized personnel at times, the Catalans seem quite motivated in ensuring that they manage to reinforce their defense with positive recruitments.
The latest of such rumored reinforcements is none other than 31-year-old Brighton and Hove Albion right-back Joel Veltman. Currently plying his trade in the English Premier League, where Brighton are currently flourishing as per their own standards and sitting at 8th in the league under the guidance of Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Hailing from the Netherlands, Joel Veltman has been Brighton’s starting right back this season, featuring 32 times for the Seagulls across three competitions. As per emerging reports from SPORT, Barcelona are looking into the possibility of signing Veltman, as he not only offers a solid signing on a sporting level but would also be adequate given the club’s rather fragile financial situation.
Despite being valued at €10 million by Transfermarkt, the player sees his contract run out in the summer of 2023. With his contractual obligation becoming expired in June, FC Barcelona could then move in to sign the player on a free transfer with zero costs apart from their personal agreements with the player himself.
This development comes as no surprise given that Barcelona have had to utilize the likes of Sergi Roberto and Jules Kounde all season in that right-back position. Both players are by specialization and positional preference, not right backs, and it was simply a courtesy of their versatility that they were able to be deployed there.
With new reports emerging that Jules Kounde will likely be used as a central defender next season alongside Ronald Araujo, or that his deployment as a right back will become much less consistent, it seems only understandable that Barcelona are continuing the search for a low-cost, alternative option in the position.
