Barcelona are expected to be very active in the transfer market this summer, with several areas targeted for improvement by the club's sporting department. Xavi Hernandez, Deco and Joan Laporta will need to decide how best to improve the first team, although that will not happen even given their financial problems.
Their main priorities are the new pivot and the left wing. Guido Rodriguez joins from Real Betis to tackle the former, although another player is needed on top of that, with the likes of Martin Zobimendi and Joshua Kimmich linked. For the winger, Neco Williams is an option, while Liverpool's Luis Diaz has also been rumored to be a strong candidate.
One area where Barcelona may look to add options is the right-back position, especially if Joao Cancelo does not return for next season. The Portuguese has had a disappointing loan spell at Catalonia, having become notorious for several high-profile errors in big games, and although there is some interest in renewing his stay for an additional 12 months, Manchester City may look to sell him permanently instead.
Interestingly, Barcelona may be looking at another Manchester City star to add to their right-back ranks, in Yann Couto. Vichajes has claimed that there is strong interest in the Brazilian, who has had a very good season in Girona – he cannot be re-signed by Michel Sanchez's side due to rules implemented by UEFA, so he could be available to join the other big club in Catalonia. .
The report says that Barcelona will try to secure a loan deal with Cotto, which will include an option to buy. Manchester City could accept that, although it is not known how they see the 21-year-old in their team. He would certainly be an interesting option for Los Blaugrana, although his defensive abilities are, for the most part, roughly on par with Cancelo's – and he's not perfect, although he has plenty of time to improve.
It seems easy for Barcelona to continue with Koundé as a right-back for next season, as he has had a very strong season overall, being arguably the club's best defender. Furthermore, Hector Fort is more than a capable backup, so although Couto could be a good signing, he is not particularly needed.
Right-back has been a problem area for Barcelona for the better part of a decade, but Koundé and Forte are very good options there, so there is no real need to address this in the summer, especially in a cash-strapped situation. The limited funds they have should be used elsewhere.
