FC Barcelona are currently in the midst of a defensive dilemma. While it remains true that Frenchman Jules Kounde is a resounding and reliable alternative fullback option, it remains neither his best position nor his preferred one. The right-back slot in essence remains up for grabs, and there exists one potential Barcelona target that Xavi Hernandez himself insists upon.
Juan Foyth of Villarreal remains Xavi’s preference in the position and it remains true that the Catalan coach has asked of the board to put further effort into ensuring his acquisition, as per reports from SPORT.
The player is almost indefinitely liked across the sporting sector based on his technical and footballing ability. Credited by both who play alongside him as well as those that have played against him, the player’s performance recently against Real Madrid in the 3-2 victory for Villarreal was also a heavy influence in cementing his value in the eyes of the Blaugrana faithful.
The Argentine fullback is a natural fit and would slot right into Xavi Hernandez’s plans for a restructured backline. However, it is not the sporting matter that concerns the Catalans the most, but rather the financial side of the potential transfer. His current club, Villarreal, refuse to negotiate for anything behind his release clause of upwards of €60 million, which at the moment is a financial hurdle too tall for FC Barcelona.
While Foyth remains Xavi’s primary priority, the Catalans do have a list of alternative options just in case. The likes of Benjamin Pavard of Bayern Munich and Thomas Meunier of Borussia Dortmund also exist as possible options.
Moreover, formulas that would allow Barcelona to acquire Joao Cancelo on a free-of-cost loan from Manchester City are also being discussed with his agent, Jorge Mendes, and it remains to be seen how that materializes.
