Barcelona keeping a close eye on out-of-favour Bayern Munich defender

It is not every day that a footballer comes out publicly to issue a statement against his club reflecting discontent over his situation. After all, it is an unsaid gesture of respect between the two parties.

Noussair Mazraoui was one to break that code earlier this week. The Bayern Munich full-back spoke to the media after his side’s draw against Manchester City and did not shy away from expressing his feelings.

“Of course [I’m disappointed]. Before the World Cup I was in the starting XI, now I’m fit and don’t get any playing time. I’m not even second or third choice. It’s too early to talk about my perspective here. But it’s not good,” he said as quoted by Maximilian Koch.

His reactions have unsurprisingly stirred up speculation about his future, and an exit is no longer a distant possibility.

According to reports from Christian Falk, Barcelona are keeping an eye on the Moroccan international’s situation in Bavaria. The Catalans know well that he could be available for a discount come June, especially after how he expressed his anger.

It is not the first time Xavi Hernandez’s side have been linked with Mazraoui for the Blaugranas have keenly followed him back from his days at Ajax.

They were desperate to sign him last summer as a replacement for Sergino Dest but could not match the financial terms Bayern Munich threw his way.

However, Germany has been far from paradise for the 25-year-old. He has only made 13 Bundesliga appearances and six starts so far this season, providing three assists in the process and has fallen below Benjamin Pavard on the pecking order.

While it is true that Mazraoui suffered a health issue earlier this season, he has not found game-time since making a return after a stint on the sidelines. Things have failed to improve for him under new manager Thomas Tuchel either

Given Barcelona’s dire need for a right-back, Mazraoui’s signing would not come out of the blue if it materialized.

The player, for his part, would reportedly be delighted to join the Blaugrana in the summer. However, it does appear to be an uphill task to complete, especially considering that the right-back has a contract until 2026 with the Germans.