The search for a suitable right back to reinforce Barcelona’s squad has led the club’s decision-makers to consider Pablo Maffeo, the talented right back from Mallorca. With difficulties in securing the services of Juan Foyth or Joao Cancelo and a lack of consensus regarding Iván Fresneda, Maffeo has emerged as a cost-effective option for the Catalan giants.
Sources have revealed to AS that Pablo Maffeo, aged 26, has gained significant traction as a potential candidate to fill the right back position at FC Barcelona. His name was discussed during a meeting held by top executives Deco and Mateu Alemany, alongside Xavi and Óscar Hernández. Maffeo’s inclusion in the discussions stems from his ability to provide a ‘low-cost’ solution, especially considering the obstacles encountered in pursuing their primary targets, Foyth and Cancelo, and the lack of agreement among the coaching staff regarding Fresneda as an alternative.
Xavi, in particular, has emphasized the need for a right back with a defensive inclination to balance the team’s backline, especially considering the attacking nature of Alejandro Balde on the left flank.
Given the evident difficulties in signing Argentine Juan Foyth, due to Villarreal’s refusal to negotiate anything below his €54 million release clause, and the inherent challenges in securing a loan deal with Manchester City for Cancelo, the club has turned its attention towards securing Maffeo’s services.
The potential transfer fee for Maffeo is estimated to be between €6 to €8 million, a reasonable sum considering his €30 million release clause. It is believed that Mallorca is open to negotiations, seeking a mutually beneficial agreement for all parties involved.
It is worth noting that Maffeo gained recognition among Barcelona fans for his impressive man-marking of Lionel Messi, leaving the Argentine superstar visibly frustrated. Additionally, he used his craftiness to unsettle Vinicius Junior last season.
Furthermore, Maffeo’s salary demands align well with Barcelona’s financial considerations, as the Catalan-born defender of Argentine origin currently earns just over €500,000 per year at Mallorca.
The coaching staff also values Maffeo’s extensive experience, having played in top leagues such as the Premier League (Manchester City), the Bundesliga (Stuttgart), and LaLiga (Girona and Mallorca). His versatility and immediate impact potential make him a player who could significantly address the current void in Barcelona’s right flank.
Pablo Maffeo’s emergence as a strong contender for Barcelona’s right back position provides a promising solution to the club’s ongoing search. With his defensive prowess, affordability, and experience in top European leagues, Maffeo could prove to be the missing piece in Barcelona’s quest for defensive stability on the right side.
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