Three options to replace Koundé as Barça target right-back... if he leaves
The French defender has said he will stay but he's not happy playing out of position
The waters seem to have calmed down with Jules Koundé, but Barcelona are now clear that they will have to sign a specialist right-back for the next season. The priority -- and where the most money will be invested -- is the midfield position, but if the Frenchman had left, Barça were clear that they would have gone for Juan Foyth (Villarreal) or Benajmin Pavard (Bayern), two players who play as full-backs but who can comfortably convert to centre-backs.
Xavi wants a clear specialist on the right flank as Sergi Roberto has been used more in midfield and Ronald Araújo and Koundé prioritise playing as centre-backs. The Hector Bellerín experiment didn't work out and he left in January, but to compete in Europe you need a top player who can be an undisputed starter in that position. The problem is that there are few options and they are too expensive at a time of economic restraint for the Blaugrana.
Pavard celebra su tanto en ante el Barça
| AFPFoyth has a termination clause of more than €60 million and Villarreal have no intention of lowering that figure, while Pavard is negotiating his renewal with Bayern but has yet to make a decision on his future.
OPTION JOAO CANCELO
The future of Joao Cancelo, who will finish his loan spell at Bayern but will not remain in the Bundesliga, is also on the horizon for Barça.
It also seems unlikely that he will remain at Manchester City because of his complicated relationship with Pep Guardiola. Cancelo is willing to fight for a loan move to Barça and his candidacy is gaining weight due to the quality of the player and the lower cost of the operation.
