Barcelona is expected to be very active in the transfer market this summer, with many areas targeted for improvement by the club's sporting department. Xavi Hernandez, Deco and Joan Laporta will have to decide how best to improve the first team squad, although it will not be given their financial problems yet.
His two main priorities are a new pivot and the left wing. Guido Rodriguez joins from Real Betis to face the former, although another player will be needed on top of that, as Martin Zubimendi and Joshua Kimmich have been linked. For the wing, Nico Williams is an option, while Liverpool's Luis Diaz has also been rumored as a strong candidate.
One area Barcelona may look to add options to is at right-back, especially if Joao Cancelo doesn't return for next season. The Portuguese has had a disappointing loan spell in Catalonia, having been noted for several high-profile mistakes in big games, and although there is some interest in renewing his stay for a further 12 months, Manchester City may seek to sell permanently.
Interestingly, Barcelona can look to another Man City star to add to their ranks of the right, which is Yan Couto. Transfers they stated that the interest in strong in the Brazilian, who had a very good season in Girona – it cannot be re-signed on the part of Michel Sanchez due to the rules implemented by UEFA, so he can be available to join the other top team in Catalonia.
The report says Barcelona will try a loan deal with Couto, which would include an option to buy. Man City may go for him, although it is not known how they view the 21-year-old for their own side. He would certainly be an interesting option for Los Blaugrana, although it is worth nothing that his defensive abilities, for the most part, are almost on a par with Cancelo – which is not ideal, although he has a lot of time to improve.
It seems simple for Barcelona to continue with Kounde as a right-back for next season, as he had a very solid campaign throughout, being arguably the club's best defender. Also, Hector Fort is a more capable backup, so while Couto could be a decent signing, he's not particularly needed.
Right-back has been a problem area for Barcelona for the better part of a decade, but Kounde and Fort are very good options here, so there is no need to face this in the summer, especially given the tight finances. The limited money they have should be used elsewhere.
