Barcelona defender set to leave club in the summer, will not be given contract extension

Hoping to sign a right-back in the summer, Barcelona had to resort to a certain Hector Bellerin on deadline day. They signed the Spaniard on the final day of the summer transfer window on a free transfer from Arsenal.

He was never expected to play an important role for Barça, and is currently playing third fiddle to Jules Kounde and Sergi Roberto in that role. He has only participated in seven games this season.

Barcelona are now aiming to sign a right-back in the summer of 2023 as a priority. Bellerin, who signed on a solitary-year contract, will leave the club as a free agent, as reported by Javi Miguel.

The 27-year-old is not in Xavi’s plans for next season. Consequentially, his retention is ‘practically ruled out’.

As for the players Barcelona is targeting, Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard has been strongly linked, apart from previous targets such as Thomas Meunier and Juan Foyth.

It is interesting to note that Xavi has also apparently given his green light to renew Sergi Roberto, whose contract was set to expire in July.

The Spaniard was only granted an extension last summer on the coach’s demand, and it seems the player has done enough to gain his trust for the short to mid-term.

Meanwhile, at left-back, the Blaugranes have the services of Jordi Alba, Alejandro Balde, and Marcos Alonso – who has reportedly reached an agreement to extend his deal by another year.

Barcelona will likely not have a lot to spend in the summer, especially on a right-back. The defensive midfield position will remain their priority as they continue to pursue Martin Zubimendi, Ruben Neves, or someone else.