Barcelona is facing a perennial shortage of depth at right-back which has reached a crisis point, compelling the club to take desperate action this summer.
With Jules Koundé having been required to play out of position for two successive seasons and no natural specialist available, the Catalans’ defensive imbalance has become a familiar vulnerability that opponents regularly target.
This glaring weakness has led sporting director Deco to bring forward plans for reinforcements, although financial pressures require innovative solutions in what is shaping up to be a difficult transfer window.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona’s shortlist has three top contenders, each symbolizing a different approach.
AS Monaco’s Vanderson is the favorite – a €30 million-rated Brazilian destroyer whose marauding runs and defensive solidity have drawn comparisons with Barcelonaa legends such as Gines and Juan Carlos.
The club’s precarious financial state may, however, necessitate complex negotiations involving player exchanges or performance-based payment structures to secure his signature.
There are also cheaper options in Yan Couto, who is at Borussia Dortmund, with his €20 million price tag and acclimatization to La Liga making him an enticing option.
The 22-year-old’s coming-of-age season in Spain suggests that he would provide an instant contribution with resale value – a major consideration with Barcelona’s requirement for sustainable team construction.
Perhaps the most pragmatic option is that of Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu.
The 26-year-old Romanian international brings blue-chip know-how along with a tasty €8-10 million buyout fee, with minimal risk attached.
His defensive solidity and familiarity with the Spanish game would provide useful cover as Barcelona pursues its business on multiple fronts.
This transfer approach signals a change in transfer approach under Deco at Barcelona – this time striking a balance between promising youth and fiscal pragmatism.
The solution at right-back must bring short-term answers as well as fit into plans for long-term financial regeneration.
The inducted recruit will have enormous pressure in stabilizing a defensive flank.
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