For FC Barcelona, the primary priorities when it comes to bringing in significant reinforcements over the summer transfer window are those of the pivot position, central/interior midfield position, and bringing in a second striker. The position of right back, however, is one that continues to evolve.
Almost the entirety of the 2022/2023 season for FC Barcelona has gone by with the Blaugrana club having to utilize versatile players out of their specialty positions and cover the right-back slot instead.
The likes of Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, and Sergi Roberto are all either central defenders or midfielders who had to operate in that fullback position to overcome the absence of a specialist.
Now, as reported by SPORT, Barcelona are attempting to comprehend and thoroughly judge what exactly are their options regarding the right-back position for the upcoming 2023/2024 season ahead.
Right-back Specialists:
First and foremost, when it comes to the availability of specialists in that particular position, Barcelona have potentially two candidates that they can rely on.
American right-back Sergino Dest, who is expected to return from a loan spell at AC Milan, and Mexican right-back Julian Araujo, who had a rather solid performance against Vissel Kobe in his debut appearance for FC Barcelona.
Both of these players could possibly be available for deployment given that no interesting offers come into play for Dest in particular.
Versatile Alternatives:
The other possibility for Barcelona is to make use of their versatile footballers and make them cover the defensive flanks. The likes of Sergi Roberto (midfield/interior), Jules Kounde (central defender), and Ronald Araujo (central defender) are also solid options for the Catalan giants to rely upon should the need for an alternative right-back become dire.
New Arrivals:
Lastly, the possible arrival of a new signing is on the table as well. At the moment, the names that Barcelona have thus far shortlisted for the right-back position include the likes of Joao Cancelo (Manchester City), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen), Ivan Fresneda (Real Valladolid), Vanderson (AS Monaco), and Lutsharel Geertruida (Feyenoord).
All are considered by Barcelona to either be instant transformative players or youngsters with significant future potential to develop within Barcelona.
