Xavi likes World Cup-winning right-back a lot, but move financially complicated – report

According to Gerard Romero, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez likes Villarreal and Argentina right-back Juan Foyth a lot. However, any move for the defender is seen as complicated due to finances.

It is no secret that Barça are looking to bring in a new right-back in the summer transfer window, as has already been confirmed by president Joan Laporta.

Several names are on the agenda at Camp Nou, with Foyth being one among them. The Argentine international was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona last summer. But an injury late in the transfer window derailed any chances of a transfer.

But the Blaugrana have continued to monitor the 25-year-old, who has played 19 matches in all competitions this season, scoring one goal and setting up two more.

Foyth was also a part of the Argentina squad that won the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar a few months ago.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man is seen as an integral part of the setup at Villarreal, who have no intentions to negotiate with Barcelona over a sale.

Furthermore, it has been reported that even if the Yellow Submarines would consider a sale, they will demand that Foyth’s €54.6 million release clause be paid in full.

Such a scenario makes it near impossible for Barcelona to sign the Argentine international in the upcoming summer.

The Blaugrana are once again operating on a tight budget as Financial Fair Play issues continue to bog them down and there being no economic levers to activate this time around.

Hence, splashing more than €50 million on Foyth seems out of the question at this point despite the fact that manager Xavi reportedly likes the player a lot.

The La Liga leaders will most likely look for cheaper alternatives as a result, with players like Thomas Meunier and possibly Benjamin Pavard emerging as more viable options.