The battle to be Barça's next right-back: Cancelo, Pavard or Foyth?
The club continue to scour the market for an affordable option at right-back
The Barcelona of 2023-24 will have a first-class reinforcement at right-back. This is what Xavi has requested and this is what the sporting department has promised him. All that remains to be decided is who is chosen to fill a position that in recent years has generated major tensions within the squad. Just a few days ago, it was Jule Koundé himself who expressed his discomfort at having become the most recurrent right-back in recent months.
Three names have a clear advantage from Xavi's point of view. Three sufficiently proven full-backs who, without doubt, would give a leap in quality to a position that has been lacking for several seasons. With the approval of the coach and the players themselves, their incorporation only depends on balancing the financial numbers when it comes to sealing a possible transfer.
JOAO CANCELO
At 29 years of age, Cancelo understands that this is his big chance to join Barcelona. Despite being on loan at Bayern Munich and having a contract with Manchester City, the Portuguese defender has one premise: he is not in favour of staying with Bayern and, under no circumstances, is considering returning to City. In this sense, the player has an important advantage: neither Bayern want to exercise the transfer option stipulated in the loan nor does Pep Guardiola want to bring back a full-back with whom he has had several disagreements.
The handicap, once again, is Cancelo's market valuation. City reiterate that there is no problem in letting Cancelo leave, although his departure must be accompanied by a significant transfer. The amounts vary: his market price is around 60 million euros but the operation could be feasible for a little less than 40 million. Prices out of the market for Barça at the moment.
The most realistic option for Barça is a loan deal. This is what the club has told Jorge Mendes. The agent knows the conditions to carry out the transaction, although time is needed to try to get City to soften their position and accept that it is better to go the Barça route than to retain a player in their ranks with a conflictive relationship with the coach.
BENJAMIN PAVARD
The French full-back has been in Barcelona's sights for a couple of seasons now. His consistent performances and his character have made him a desired player for the Catalan club. With his contract expiring in 2024, he has made it clear for several months that he is not in favour of extending his contract and that it would be advisable for Bayern to consider an affordable transfer this summer in order to obtain a fair financial reward for the player's time in the Bundesliga.
Financially, it is estimated that the transfer should not go beyond 15-20 million euros, taking into consideration the remaining year of his contract. In these cases, the factor of the variables can be fundamental in unravelling the final price.
Barça are waiting patiently. Pavard's case is in the hands of another 'friendly' agent, Pini Zahavi. It is necessary to be patient until Bayern not only give the final OK to Pavard's departure but also stipulate a reasonable economic price.
JUAN FOYTH
According to Xavi, Villarreal's Argentinian full-back is his favourite player to come in at right-back. Foyth, 25, has progressed dramatically in recent months to become a top full-back. His strength, speed and ability to win most of the one-on-ones in which he is involved have captivated the Barcelona boss.
However, Foyth's problem is simple: Villarreal. They are tired of saying that they have no desire to part with the Argentine. His buy-out clause is 54 million euros and, according to Villarreal officials, there is nothing to negotiate. In addition, there is a desire to balance the books with the departure of some of the numerous strikers they have in their squad and who are coveted in the market. They are a tough nut to crack.
The contact with Foyth's entourage has been positive, the player would be in favour of moving as he understands that he is making a notable leap in his career, but he has also made it clear that he does not want problems with Villarreal and will not push too hard.
