Ajax fullback wants to sign for ‘Barcelona only’ – sources

While still competing in the current season, Barcelona are already planning to make big changes come the summer. The winter window saw several attacking stars arrive at Camp Nou, and the summer will be more focused on reinforcing the defense.

Andreas Christensen seems set to be the club’s first recruitment for next season. Now, several cources including SPORT provide an update on the right-back position.

Barcelona are reportedly close to completing the signing of Noussair Mazraoui for the upcoming campaign. The Moroccan international had other options on the table but turned them down for a move to Catalonia.

A meeting will soon be scheduled between the two parties over the duration of the contract and other variables. However, the player’s decision is said to be final: he wants to sign with Barcelona, and Barcelona only.

The player will be a free agent come June and can hence join Barcelona without any transfer fee. There will, nevertheless, be a commission for his agent as well as a signing bonus for the player.

The 24-year-old will join Sergino Dest, Dani Alves, Oscar Mingueza, and Sergi Roberto as an option to start at right-back for Xavi’s team. However, he would be the downright favorite to start over his competitors owing to a combination of his young age and dynamic profile.

In 20 Eredivisie starts this season, Mazraoui has five goals and two assists. He has created five big chances and averages 1.5 key passes per game.

Defensively too, he has been astute. The team have maintained 11 clean sheets in the league with him on the field. Moreover, the 24-year-old records 1.5 clearances and two tackles per game.

Stats via Transfermarkt