Strengthening the Right-Back Position: A Summer Priority for Barcelona
Barcelona has identified the right-back position as a critical area to strengthen during the upcoming summer transfer window. The current reliance on the reconverted Jules Kounde, who has practically played the entire season, and the limited appearances of young Hector Fort, underscore the club’s need for reinforcements. Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s head coach, has yet to fully trust Fort, who had the option to leave on loan in January but opted to stay. The scenario might change if another right-back joins the team in the summer, potentially altering Fort’s stance on a loan move.
Current Market Interest and Negotiations
AS Monaco’s Vanderson and Almeria’s Marc Pubill are already on Barcelona’s shortlist for the right-back position. The club engaged in talks with Almeria for Pubill last summer, but the move fell through due to salary cap constraints. Now, reports suggest that Barcelona is also considering Wesley, a right-back from Flamengo, who has been on their radar for some time. The Catalan daily, Sport, revealed that Barcelona had previously scouted Wesley before he made his first-team debut and tried to negotiate a loan deal with an option to buy for Wesley to join Barca Atletic in 2023. However, the club is now revisiting this option, highlighting their continued interest in the young talent.
Wesley’s Growing Reputation and Performance
Wesley, now 21, has established himself as a formidable right-back under the coaching of Filipe Luis at Flamengo. His performances have been impressive, and he is set to make his Brazil debut in March, provided he remains injury-free. Flamengo holds 90% of Wesley’s rights, and a price tag of around €35 million is cited for his transfer. Barcelona is currently evaluating whether this fee represents value for money, considering Wesley’s potential and recent performances.
Competition and Market Dynamics
The interest in Wesley extends beyond Barcelona. Last week, Goal reported that Manchester United has also shown interest in the young right-back, while Zenit St. Petersburg had a €24 million offer for Wesley turned down by Flamengo. This level of competition in the transfer market suggests that Flamengo is in a strong position to secure a price close to their asking price. The presence of multiple suitors, particularly from the Premier League, adds pressure on Barcelona to act quickly and decisively to secure Wesley’s signature.
Barcelona’s Defensive Strength and Tactical Advantage
Barcelona’s defensive prowess has been evident in their recent performances. The team has managed to leave their rival teams offside 201 times in just 36 official matches, the highest of any team in Europe’s top five leagues. This statistic, reported by Mundo Deportivo, highlights the effectiveness of the club’s defensive strategy and organization. The addition of a high-quality right-back like Wesley could further enhance this defensive solidity, providing the team with a well-rounded and robust defensive lineup.
Conclusion: Strategic Reinforcement for Future Success
In conclusion, the right-back position remains a key focus for Barcelona in the summer transfer window. With multiple targets identified and a growing interest in Wesley, the club is positioning itself to strengthen a critical area that has been under-resourced. The competition from other top clubs, particularly Manchester United and Zenit St. Petersburg, underscores the value and potential of Wesley. Barcelona’s ability to secure a player of his caliber will be crucial in maintaining their defensive strength and tactical advantage, setting the stage for continued success in the coming seasons.
