Latest development in Benjamin Pavard’s transfer saga leaves Barcelona’s Xavi Hernandez with limited options

Barcelona’s ongoing search for a regular right-back continues to pose a problem for the club. This season, Jules Kounde has filled the position adequately but it is not his preferred role, and finances are set to be tight again this summer, making it difficult to sign a major right-back.

Previously, Villarreal’s Juan Foyth was thought to be Xavi Hernandez’s first choice, but the Yellow Submarine is unwilling to negotiate lower than his price tag, ruling him out as an option. Thomas Meunier of Borussia Dortmund has been mentioned regularly, but he is past his best and not a long-term solution to the problem.

The latest development is that Bayern Munich has opened fresh contract talks with Benjamin Pavard, who was also on Barcelona’s shortlist for the summer. However, it appears that Barcelona will miss out on Pavard as a result of these talks. Previously, Pavard was unhappy with his role at Bayern, but the arrival of Thomas Tuchel might have changed his mind. It is thought that Julian Nagelsmann and Pavard had their differences.

Barcelona must come up with a creative solution to their problem. While Kounde is a good right-back for most teams, he struggles to stretch the pitch in the same way that others do. Keeping him there next season risks Kounde becoming unhappy, and it halts the progression of the side.

In conclusion, Barcelona’s search for a regular right-back looks set to continue, with the current situation far from ideal. Xavi Hernandez must come up with a solution that works for the team while keeping his players happy.