Alejandro Balde is Barcelona’s first choice at left-back this season but there’s no getting away from the fact that there’s little competition for the youngster at the club.
Gerard Martin has filled in at times this season, and appears to have impressed Hansi Flick, but does not look to be the answer right now. Indeed the rumor mill is convinced Barca will go for a new left-back in the summer if there’s financial room.
And Balde still has plenty of room for improvement too. We saw with his sumptuous cross for Robert Lewandowski in El Clasico what the left-back is capable of, but his lack of consistency in this regard could likely to see his position come under threat - unless he can deliver on a much more regular basis for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.
It would be remiss of Barcelona as an organisation if they weren’t at least considering the possibilities in terms of squad depth, and perhaps buying someone for the left-back position who could really give Balde a run for his money.
Alphonso Davies
FC Bayern München v FC Augsburg - Bundesliga Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Undoubtedly a dream signing for the Catalans, though if rumours are correct, the most unlikely.
Now that Hansi Flick is at Barca, there is some leverage if Davies and his representatives can be persuaded that the 24-year-old should play out his best years in Catalonia.
However, a move to Real Madrid or even an extended stay at Bayern seem more likely.
A player who has everything in his locker, there’s no doubt whatsoever that he would not just be a headline signing, but also an incredibly useful one.
Alex Valle
Atalanta BC v Celtic FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images
Three assists in nine appearances in all competitions for Celtic has given Barca a nudge as far as Alex Valle is concerned.
Yet to make his mark with the Catalans, how the 24/25 campaign goes for him at the Scottish giants will arguably dictate whether Barca decide to bring him back for what would be the final year of his current contract or not.
A player who needs to be more confident in possession of the football and willing to trust himself in terms of his distribution and associative play, there does need to be a significant improvement for him to be considered as a threat to Balde but that’s exactly why he’s out on loan.
Hugo Bueno
Spain U21 v Denmark U21 - International Friendly Photo by Mateo Villalba/Getty Images
A Vigo-born left-back who is as comfortable in the wing-back position and who has garnered significant Premier League experience while at Wolves.
Currently at Dutch giants, Feyenoord, the Spaniard is an interesting choice.
Still only 22, Bueno is renowned for his willingness to get forward. Would need to work on his pitch coverage as he can, and has been caught out in terms of his positioning being too advanced.
Studious and hard-working, he would be a reasonable enough addition.
Almugera Kabar
1. FSV Mainz 05 v Borussia Dortmund - Bundesliga Photo by Max Ellerbrake - firo sportphoto/Getty Images
A name that won’t be known to many, the 18-year-old currently plies his trade with Borussia Dortmund’s second team.
He has made three appearances for the first-team, though hasn’t really had the chance to cement his place with the club just yet.
A powerhouse with brilliant distribution and excellent athleticism, he’s quick across the deck and solid in the air. Aside from regular experience at the top level there is barely a weakness to his game.
Which left-back do you think Barcelona should go for this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!