Barça have an 'unknown' option to replace out of favour Aleix Vidal
Robert Fernandez is working with discretion in the search for a new right sided full-back
Barcelona have various options to ensure they’re not short in the right-back position in the decisive stage of the season. Aleix Vidal’s complicated situation has obliged the club to think of a Plan B, to make sure they’re covered if Sergi Roberto suffers an injury.
Barça are working on the hypothesis that Vidal will continue without having a presence under Luis Enrique. Therefore they’re working on various options. Sporting director Robert Fernandez has various names on the table for when the January transfer window opens.
The team needs a player able to perform immediately, with experience and capable of performing from the very beginning. Barça have sounded out Joao Cancelo, Valencia’s Portuguese full-back, but it’s proving a complicated deal.
Valencia are in a tricky situation on an institutional level and aren’t ready to lose a player who is a regular in the first team, especially after Paco Alcacer’s traumatic departure to Barça.
OPTION LICHTSTEINER
The second option is Swiss right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner who plays for Juventus, but has been nudged out by Dani Alves. For his age (32) and his price, it’s not an ideal option.
There is a third option, though, who could become the surprise of the winter market. However, it’s not been leaked who the player Robert and his team have in mind.
For now, the club are waiting with expectation to see how the next six weeks develop, until the Christmas break in Spain. Everything is ready to act if it is necessary when the transfer window opens.
But for the moment the club still hope Vidal’s situation can change for the better. The player doesn’t count on Luis Enrique’s backing at the moment, but it’s not been ruled out he could change the situation, like Sergi Roberto did.
In addition, Barça have another scenario to consider: that Aleix Vidal wants to stay at the club despite being invited to leave, be that on loan or permanently. He has a contract until 2020. Barça know that they can’t force him out if he wants to continue in the first team.
