Barcelona are already looking beyond the current campaign as the club continues to assess how Hansi Flick’s squad can be strengthened.
The Catalan giants have plenty of versatility across the defensive line, with several players capable of filling different roles when required.
That flexibility is particularly useful on the flanks, where the club can call upon a mixture of established names and younger options.
Alejandro Balde remains one of the main choices at left-back, while Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart can also provide cover on that side.
However, Barcelona appear keen to keep their options open as they consider how the squad could evolve over the next year.
The club are now monitoring RB Leipzig captain David Raum and Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell as potential left-back options for next summer, as reported by SPORT.
Both defenders are currently contracted until June 2027, meaning their situations could become particularly interesting as the season progresses and they enter the final stages of their respective deals.
David Raum is an especially familiar name to Flick, having worked around the German international setup and established himself as a regular for both Leipzig and Germany.
The 28-year-old is known for his attacking contribution from the left and has become an important player for Leipzig, although the Bundesliga club are also understood to be interested in extending his contract.
Mitchell, meanwhile, offers Barcelona another left-footed option with extensive Premier League experience and remains under contract at Crystal Palace until 2027.
The English defender has also been linked with Barça in the past, making this latest interest another indication that the club continue to keep tabs on his situation.
Barcelona are not expected to rush into a decision, with the sporting department instead monitoring the market and waiting to see how their own squad develops during the season.
With players such as Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde providing options on the right and Balde, Cancelo and Espart covering the opposite side, Barça have plenty to consider before making their next move.
The club’s interest in players approaching the final year of their contracts could also allow them to explore lower-cost opportunities, particularly if either defender becomes available as a free agent in 2027.
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