Xavi has reportedly asked Barcelona management to step up their efforts to sign 2022 FIFA World Cup winning defender Juan Foyth.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona are keen to sign a right-back in the summer transfer window, with Xavi setting his sights on Foyth. Xavi has reportedly urged management to go all out for Foyth as he believes the Argentine would prove to be a huge upgrade in the right-back position.
Barcelona haven’t had a stable right-back since 2020. They signed Sergino Dest in the summer of 2020, but the USMNT defender didn’t make any tangible impact. Héctor Bellerín was hired last summer only to be shipped out that same January after a series of unconvincing displays. Lacking a natural right-back, Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo have filled that position.
While the centre-backs have done well in the right-back position, management wants them to return to their original position and bring in a natural right-back. Foyth, who appeared in a match for Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has emerged as the club’s first choice.
The management is aware of Xavi’s willingness to sign Foyth, but it has been difficult for Barça to negotiate with Villarreal. It is believed that Villarreal do not want to let the player go because of nothing less than his release clause of 54 million euros.
They may have to reconsider their position and sell some players if they don’t secure Champions League football for next season. But for now, the fifth ranked in La Liga is not willing to give up. If the Camp Nou team fails to sign Foyth this summer, they could turn to Benjamin Pavard, Thomas Meunier or Joao Cancelo.
Foyth has made 93 appearances for Villarreal since joining them in the 2020-21 season, scoring three times and providing five assists in all competitions. His contract is until June 2026.
Fabrizio Romano updates on the possible return of Lionel Messi to Barcelona
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi is expected to leave the French capital this season. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner sees his contract with PSG expire in June 2023 and he has yet to sign an extension.
Barcelona have expressed their desire to re-sign their record goalscorer, with manager Xavi revealing that he frequently speaks with his former teammate.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, both Barca and Messi are interested in a meeting, but no official breakthrough has been made due to Financial Fair Play regulations. Speaking to Caught Offside, the Italian journalist revealed:
“There is no news about Lionel Messi at the moment. We know that he often talks to Xavi, Xavi wants him back, Leo loves Barça… nothing new.
“The crucial step is when Barcelona can make an official offer for Lionel, as the financial Fair Play slows things down now. PSG made its offer for Leo in February, nothing has changed in that regard.”
In addition to Barça, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal have also expressed their desire to sign Messi. They are reportedly prepared to give him €400 million per year to join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.