Barcelona rule out signing right-back – end of transfer market priority clear

Barcelona are hoping to be able to get their new sponsorship deal with Nike over the line in the next 48 hours, under the proviso that this will move them back within their salary limit, and permit them more flexibility with signings on the final day of the transfer market. They have already sent La Liga some of the contract details to that end.

If they do manage to find a way to spend more money, it will not be on a right-back. Marca say that Barcelona’s priority is to bring in a central defender before the end of the market, if they can do so. With Joao Cancelo moving to Saudi Arabia, and Almeria’s Marc Pubill seemingly not convincing, Barcelona have decided against strengthening the position.

Official: FC Barcelona and Álex Valle have reached an agreement to extend the player's contract until 30 June 2026, with the option of two further seasons. At the same time, Barcelona have struck a deal with Celtic FC whereby the player will represent the latter this season until…

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 28, 2024

Barcelona have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah, RB Leipzig’s Mohamed Simakan, free agent Mario Hermoso and Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera in recent days. Hermoso would be the cheapest of the four as a free agent, while Tah is believed to be the preference for Hansi Flick.

If that is the case, it means that Hector Fort will likely be staying at the club this season, as a rotational option behind Jules Kounde at right-back. The Blaugrana have also been heavily linked with Federico Chiesa in recent days, but if a centre-back is their top priority, it would be a surprise to see Barcelona bring in more than one player before the end of the window.