Xavi prioritising the signing of a new right-back over a defensive midfielder – report

Heading into the January window, Barcelona are set to enter the transfer market once again as they look to further reinforce their squad despite splurging heavily during the summer.

Reports suggest that the Blaugrana have identified two positions that need to be strengthened at the earliest. The club want to sign a new right-back as well as a new defensive midfielder in the winter.

And now, according to Javi Miguel of Diario AS, manager Xavi Hernandez is prioritising the signing of a new right-back over a pivot midfielder at this point.

As things stand, Xavi has Hector Bellerin and Sergi Roberto as his primary options in the right-back position. But neither are seen as quality options, which has often forced Xavi to utilise the likes of Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo and even Alejandro Balde as a right-sided full-back.

Bellerin was signed only this past summer, but he was never the first-choice option for Xavi or Barcelona. The Catalans had tried to sign Cesar Azpilicueta, Juan Foyth and Thomas Meunier, and settled on the former Arsenal ace as a cheaper alternative.

But the Spaniard has not been good enough in the few matches he has played so far. As for Roberto, while he has looked good in bursts, his injury issues continue to be an issue.

With the situation being as it is, Xavi first wants to sign a new right-back before focusing his attention on a new pivot midfielder.

Diogo Dalot of Manchester United remains a target for Barcelona and even though his contract expires next year, the Red Devils are expected to trigger a twelve-month extension, his signing is seen as complicated.

So, it remains to be seen who Barça decide to go after in the January window. But as things stand, Xavi wants to bring in a new right-back as a priority before he focuses on a midfielder to cover for and compete with Sergio Busquets.

The post Xavi prioritising the signing of a new right-back over a defensive midfielder – report appeared first on Barca Universal.

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