Barcelona are prioritising the signing of a new right-back before the summer transfer window slams shut in three days. Xavi Hernandez does not place any faith in Sergino Dest and has informed him to find a new club, leaving the club in search of a replacement.
Juan Foyth of Villarreal had been identified as the primary target for the position. His €42 million release clause was seen as a major obstacle. On top of that, the Argentine international has picked up an injury and will be out for close to two months.
It has all but ended Barça’s pursuit of Foyth and Mundo Deportivo is now reporting that the Catalan club have made signing Thomas Meunier their top priority to reinforce the right-back position.
The 30-year-old is a vastly experienced player who has been playing at the top level for years now, having had a stint with PSG before joining Borussia Dortmund.
While the German giants have been insisting that the Belgian international is not for sale, the report indicates that they would be open to offloading him should an offer of around €15-20 million come along.
It has been claimed that Meunier’s relationship with Dortmund manager Edin Terzic has become strained, which could make it easier for a move to materialise. However, they would have to find a replacement before sanctioning his departure.
Reports have claimed that a swap deal involving Meunier and Dest has been discussed, but the Bundesliga outfit seem uninterested in such an operation and would consider only cash offers for the seasoned campaigner.
However, any move for Meunier would first require the Blaugrana to offload a few players so that funds can be generated and space can be made on the wage bill for the new signing.
It remains to be seen if Barcelona are able to capture Meunier or are forced to look at other options such as Hector Bellerin or Hamari Traore before the transfer window closes.