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If Ousmane Dembélé does end up leaving for PSG, which at the moment looks imminent, Barcelona will look to strengthen their team and continue to look at reinforcing the right-back position.
According to new reports from Mundo Deportivo, the Catalans are in the market not only for an attacking-minded player, but they could now explore a couple of different ways to shore up the right side.
What positions will Barcelona target?
Xavi reportedly considers having an additional midfielder or forward as more crucial now, especially with Dembélé’s departure – and there are a few potential names, some realistic and two very lucrative but difficult signings to materialise.
Vitor Roque is expected to join in January due to an agreement with his current club, but sources have also stated that his arrival could be advanced as a result of Dembele’s departure.
The right-back situation
The potential signing of Iván Fresneda from Real Valladolid seems to be steadily advancing, but MD state that Barcelona may not offer him a primary role in the upcoming season, that too if he is signed in the first place.
If they do bring him in, they reportedly intend to send him out on loan, and Xavi could ask Barcelona to make moves for a more experienced option now that they might have some cash coming in.
It’s a sharp turn, as Fresneda until very recently was the priority target at right-back due to his low cost and his age, which makes him a very tempting prospect for the future.
It would be wise for the club to still try and acquire the player if feasible, even if just to sell him on for a profit in the future.
That means the Joao Cancelo operation could be accelerated once Barcelona have some room to play with in the market after Dembele leaves.
His agent, Jorge Mendes, has always had a steady relationship with Barcelona, which could play a key role in the negotiations – not to mention the healthy connection between Barcelona and Manchester City.
Star power in attack?
As soon as Dembele’s departure seemed to advance, Bernardo Silva’s name has entered rapidly back into the mix.
He has been a dream singing for Xavi, but even with the funds generated by the Dembele transfer, it is still a very unlikely operation.
Manchester City also seem intent on keeping the Portuguese star, which could make things trickier.
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