Barcelona management still indecisive on right back transfer

Later this week Barcelona will take to the field for their first pre-season game of the summer following the cancellation of their game against Juventus. When they do so, it’s likely that either Sergino Dest or Jules Koundé will be patrolling the right-back decision with Barca management split on who to target in the transfer market.

Barcelona have been linked with both Valladolid youngster Iván Fresneda and Manchester City veteran João Cancelo. The problem right now, other than the financial fair play restrictions facing any future incoming at Barcelona, is nobody can agree on who to sign.

According to a report in Mundo Deportivo, there is a split at the highest level of Barcelona management on which right back they should prioritise.

On one hand, you have soon-to-be Barca Sporting Director Deco, who favours signing Fresneda and developing him within the first-team set-up. On the other hand, you have Director of Football Mateu Alemany and Manager Xavi who would prefer to sign an experienced European competitor like Cancelo.

Fresneda was originally given extra time off this summer but will report back to Valladolid tomorrow with his future still up in the air.

Valladolid sports director has this to say about Fresneda “For Fresneda there are verbal proposals, not in writing. We have not yet responded. He is going to join us on Wednesday. He is a Real Valladolid player and we put the value on it,”

There’s a significant gap in the valuations of the players with Fresneda expected to be available for around the €15-€20 million fee, whereas Cancelo will likely cost over double that, closer to €50 million.

With Franck Kessie expected to leave at some point this summer, a move for Fresneda would fit into the payment structure at Barcelona, whereas any move for Cancelo would likely start with a loan deal.