Along with several players for the left-wing and the center-forward positions, FC Barcelona have also been linked with several fullbacks in the last few months.
However, in a recent media talk, Deco made it clear that the Blaugranes were happy with what they have on the right and left flanks.
Thus, according to Diario AS, the Catalans will get a new full-back only if a good market opportunity arises that can raise the quality of the squad, and in such a case, the right-back position will be prioritized ahead of the left-back position.
But as Barcelona will not be actively looking to get a new full-back from the market, it seems quite clear that the sporting management has full confidence in the abilities of its current fullbacks, i.e., Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde.
It can be argued that the Blaugranes are looking to make them undisputed starters in their positions. Their substitutes will only play to provide them with rest at times, and will not really be in contention for a starting spot going forward.
Although he is naturally a center-back, Kounde has adapted perfectly to the right-back position this season and has already accumulated 2981 minutes in this position, scoring 3 goals and providing 7 assists. Meanwhile, his replacement, Hector Fort, has only 327 minutes in 12 games.
On the other flank, Balde has also been a clear starter for Flick this season, especially as doubts about his physical condition have been dispelled. In 31 games, he has accumulated 2367 minutes, and in addition to his offensive proficiency, he has 6 assists to his name, he has also improved significantly in defensive aspects.
His substitute, Gerard Martin, has had a better season than Hector Fort, as he has played 836 minutes in 22 games across all competitions, providing 2 assists.
Thus, one can expect Kounde and Balde to remain as the team’s fixed starters going forward, and Fort and Martin will not have any real chances of breaking into the starting eleven at Barcelona.
