Barcelona miss out on signing of Ajax star

Updated: 27 Apr 2022 20:16 BST
3 min read

Barcelona have lost out on the signing of Ajax defender Noussair Mazraoui to Bayern Munich.

The Bundesliga champions are working quickly to finalise a deal, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, in hopes of avoiding a bidding war.

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And, with a verbal agreement between the club and player reached weeks ago, it appears Germany is the Moroccan's next destination.

Barcelona were looking to upgrade on their options in the right-back position, with Sergino Dest and Dani Alves failing to prove to head coach Xavi Hernandez that they are the long-term solution.

Though, they will have to turn their attentions elsewhere as Mazraoui has decided against a move to the Camp Nou.

Here are two alternative options that La Blugrana could take a look at in the summer transfer window.

Who could Barcelona sign instead?

Nicolas Tagliafico

Another Ajax player linked with Barcelona, Nicholas Tagliafico could also be on his way out having seen his chances limited at the Dutch giants over the course of this season.

Barcelona were keen to add an experienced left-back to the side to accompany Jordi Alba, and made an offer for a loan move in January, but that was rejected by Ajax.

Tagliafico himself expressed his disappointment over the failed move, but the club may try their chances again this summer.

Bayern are working to get Noussair Mazraoui’s contract signed as soon as possible to avoid any potential proposal from other clubs. 🔴⌛️ #FCBayern

The verbal agreement has been reached weeks ago - Mazraoui’s expected to join Bayern on a free transfer soon. ⤵️ https://t.co/BySF9ozFHd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 27, 2022

Thomas Meunier

Last month, Borussia Dortmund’s Thomas Meunier revealed that Barcelona were interested in acquiring the Belgian full-back in a temporary loan deal, but any move was shut down by the German club.

It’s believed that Barcelona will re-ignite their interest this summer, should moves for any of their primary targets not work out.

The former Paris Saint-Germain right-back has been at Dortmund since 2020 and has a contract until 2024.