At this point in time, Barcelona have their priorities straight for the summer transfer window.
A new name in midfield headlines the club’s priority list heading into June, with names including Bernardo Silva, Guido Rodriguez and Aleix Garcia all linked with a move.
According to journalist Alex Pintanel, however, Barcelona now have a new position on their agenda – the left-back. It is, however, not the club’s primary priority, the source confirmed.
Looking for experience
With Marcos Alonso set to leave Barcelona at the end of his contract, Xavi & co. are looking for an experienced option to provide cover for young Alejandro Balde.
The youngster is expected to return for the beginning of next season after a campaign-ending injury at San Mames. A backup, however, is seen as a must for the new period.
Jose Luis Gaya is one such player who interests Barcelona with years of experience in his arsenal.
The Valencia veteran, however, is not thinking of a departure from Mestalla despite interest from Barcelona. Furthermore, his contract runs until 2027 and as such, his option is discarded.
Xavi’s alternatives
With the transfer window less than a month away, the Blaugranas are still far from achieving the 1:1 financial fair play situation with respect to signings.
A new signing at left-back, thus, is far from a given considering where it stands on the priority list. Should a new name not arrive, Xavi will be forced to utilise a pre-existing option as his backup left-back.
Alex Valle, who is on loan at Levante could return and stay in the first-team dynamics as a valuable option. Hector Fort is another player who could play the role, although it is not his natural position.
The final option the manager has is Joao Cancelo, should the player’s future at the club be resolved in the coming weeks.