Barcelona shift focus to La Liga right-back, could sign him for €6-8 million

With Barcelona encountering difficulties in their pursuit of Joao Cancelo and Juan Foyth, the club are exploring other avenues to reinforce the right-back position.

Ivan Fresneda is a serious contender and the Blaugrana even had a lengthy meeting with his agent recently, but the 18-year-old does not generate total consensus within the club.

As such, Barcelona have now shifted their focus to RCD Mallorca right-back Pablo Maffeo, reports Javi Miguel of AS.

Maffeo a viable option for Barcelona

The 26-year-old Maffeo has been with Mallorca since 2021, when he joined from VfB Stuttgart, initially on loan, before the move was made permanent last year.

The former Manchester City academy ace has plenty of experience playing in Spain, having represented Girona and SD Huesca in the past.

He has over 120 appearances in La Liga with four goals and 14 assists to his name.

Talks with Manchester City for Cancelo were not going as per plans while Villarreal are holding out for €54.6 million for Foyth, making both unfeasible for the La Liga champions.

As such, Maffeo has now risen up the transfer wishlist. The Spaniard has a release clause worth €30 million in his contract with Mallorca, but the club would be open to negotiating a lower fee.

In fact, the report states that the operation could be closed for as little as €6-8 million.

Furthermore, Maffeo’s wages would also not be an issue, considering that he is currently on a deal worth €500,000 per year.

The name of Maffeo was discussed during the meeting between Xavi, assistant manager Oscar Hernandez, Deco, and Mateu Alemany on Wednesday and it remains to be seen if they indeed press ahead with the pursuit of the 26-year-old.