With the January transfer window less than a month away, Barcelona have several tasks on their list for the mid-season trading period.
At the top of the to-do list, though, is the signing of a new right-back. Summer arrival Hector Bellerin has not just clicked thus far, forcing manager Xavi to use the likes of Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde at right-back quite frequently.
The former Arsenal fan has struggled from a lack of rhythm as well as fitness problems, failing to impose himself on the side. With his contract expiring in the summer, a renewal is unlikely to be discussed, while a January exit cannot entirely be ruled out either.
And, Mundo Deportivo is reporting that Barcelona have identified as many as three possible options to reinforce the right-back spot in January but are waiting on more clarity from La Liga over the Financial Fair Play situation before they can pull the trigger on the signing.
As per the report, the three players that Barcelona are looking at are Juan Foyth of Villarreal, Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot and Benjamin Pavard of Bayern Munich.
Foyth was on Barcelona’s radar in the summer as well but an injury late in the window prevented a move. The Argentine continues to be a subject of interest from the Blaugrana, though, but whether Villarreal will sanction a sale midway through the season remains to be seen.
As for Dalot, he has become a popular option within the Barça ranks after his strong start to the season at Man United under Erik ten Hag. While his contract with the Premier League side expires in 2023, they intend to trigger a unilateral one-year extension to keep him at Old Trafford, making the signing tricky.
Meanwhile, Pavard has made it known that he is willing to leave Bayern Munich in the near future. With the Frenchman entering the final year of his contract in the summer of 2023, Die Roten could be open to cashing in on him at the earliest possible.
But before moving for any of the three options, Barcelona are still awaiting on La Liga to clarify their interpretation of the Fair Play situation.
The Catalans believe they should be able to operate under the 1/1 rule while they are also prepared to sell Memphis Depay and even Bellerin, if necessary, to make room for new arrivals. The club will also look to generate income through sponsorship deals to improve their situation.
The post Barcelona have three right-back targets on agenda for January, waiting on Fair Play clarity appeared first on Barca Universal.