Spanish RB on FC Barcelona transfer speculation: “I would have agreed with all my heart”

As soon as it became apparent that Sergino Dest was not at the level desired by Xavi at FC Barcelona, a number of right-back options were linked with a move to Catalonia.

Villarreal’s Juan Foyth was a popular name, as was Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda who eventually made the move to Portugal with Sporting.

Despite the links, one thing stayed consistent. Joao Cancelo was the #1 choice for Xavi and if there was any chance a deal could be done, then Barcelona were willing to wait.

One other name that got linked towards the end of the transfer window was Mallorca right back, Pablo Maffeo, a player who was forced off through injury at the weekend as Mallorca drew 2-2 with Barcelona.

Pablo Maffeo would have been very interested in a move to Barcelona

Reports at the time indicated that Maffeo’s representatives had approached Barcelona about a potential move for their client, with Xavi said to be interested in the combative defender.

After all, it was abundantly clear that Barca couldn’t survive the season with Sergi Roberto, Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde rotating at right back.

However, Barcelona didn’t make any offer to Maffeo. It’s unclear if they would have had the deal for Cancelo fallen through.

Speaking to Jijantes FC, the 26-year-old Spanish defender admitted that he would have accepted any offer on the table from Barca and that while he felt fortunate that a team of Barca’s calibre were interested in him, he’s doing well at Mallorca this year.

"“They did not make any offers. I would have agreed with all my heart. What would you do when a team like Barcelona comes to you? It’s good that teams like this are interested in you but I’m doing very well in Mallorca,”"

Things happen for a reason. Maffeo is playing well for Mallorca and Cancelo has been a revelation for Barcelona.

Cancelo also offered the kind of Champions League experience that someone like Maffeo couldn’t, and that was vital for Xavi according to multiple rumours.