FC Barcelona are planning to incorporate a number of players into their squad for the next season. One of the priorities for the club this season is to sign a right-back, who can provide a balanced offensive and defensive output for the club.
For such a role, Xavi’s favorite is the Argentine Juan Foyth, who currently plays for Villareal. FC Barcelona have long been impressed by the Argentine full-back, and the club tried to sign the player last year too, however, Villareal had refused to sell him at that time. Ultimately, Barcelona brought Jules Kounde last summer to strengthen their backline.
While Kounde played a significant number of minutes at the right back position, his natural position is at the center of the defense, and he feels the most comfortable there. As a result, the Catalans will still have to look for a natural right back.
According to SPORT, Juan Foyth is seen as an ideal solution to this problem. However, VIllareal are unwilling to sell the player even now and considers him too important for the squad to be let leave. This is in spite of the financial problems with their wage bill, that they need to sort out to remain within the FFP constraints.
The Yellow Submarines believe they can sell one of their attackers to lighten their wage bill, and can keep Foyth for the coming season. Their star defender, Pau Torres, can also be sold for this purpose. Anyhow, Villareal has already communicated to Foyth’s agent about their plans for the fullback.
Thus, the only option remaining for FC Barcelona to bring Xavi’s preferred fullback to the team is by paying his full release clause. It stood at €42 million last year, but has increased by 30% due to a clause in his contract, and now stands at €54.6 million.
