Barcelona could sign 26-year-old right-back for €10m plus inclusion of a player on loan

Earlier this week, reports emerged claiming that Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez likes RCD Mallorca’s Pablo Maffeo as an option to reinforce the right-back position.

Now, building on the same, Catalunya Radio is reporting that Barcelona are indeed weighing up a move for Maffeo this summer. The Blaugrana have already asked about the contractual details of the Spaniard even though their priority remains Joao Cancelo.

The Catalans are in the market for a new right-back due to Jules Kounde’s reluctance to play in the full-back slot. Several names have been linked, but it is Cancelo who is the preferred target, with a loan move in the works for the Manchester City ace.

At the same time, though, Barça are looking at other alternatives, one of whom is Maffeo. The 26-year-old has been with Mallorca since 2021, having initially arrived on loan from VfB Stuttgart before making the transfer permanent last season.

Maffeo has previously played for Girona as well and has good experience and exposure in La Liga, which makes him an appealing prospect for Barcelona, compared to someone like Ivan Fresneda, who has just one season under his belt at this level.

So, it does not come as a surprise to learn that the La Liga champions have enquired about his contractual situation with Mallorca as they weigh up a possible move this summer.

Maffeo, a former Manchester City trainee, has a contract with Mallorca until 2026 which has a release clause worth €30 million. However, the report indicates that the La Liga side would be willing to offload him for around €10 million plus the inclusion of a player on loan.

Such an operation would be very much feasible for Barcelona, making him an enticing target. However, the Catalans will face competition from Sevilla, who are already in talks with Mallorca to sign Maffeo.

Indeed, Los Nervionenses want to sign the 26-year-old and have offered three players in exchange for him. But, Rafa Mir, one of the players’ offered, has blocked the move as he is courting interest from Valencia as well.

Barcelona, thus, could look to capitalise on this and make a swoop for Maffeo, but only if it becomes clear that Cancelo will not arrive this summer.