Barcelona keen to add €30m defender in the summer

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 5 Feb 2023 17:59 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona are looking at former Tottenham defender Juan Foyth over a summer move.

Sport report that the side are hopeful of bringing a right-back into the fold after the departure of Hector Bellerin to Sporting Lisbon.

The side have already been linked to Bayern Munich outcast Benjamin Pavard, who is thought to be set for an exit from the Bundesliga giants in the upcoming window. But another target is Villarreal player Foyth.

READ MORE: Blow for Man Utd and Arsenal as Barcelona block Ansu Fati exit

The Argentine is currently considered as being one of the best full-backs in La Liga and is reportedly admired by Xavi Hernandez.

But the former Spurs man is contracted with the Yellow Submarines until 2026 and they would therefore have to fork out some €30m to purchase him. A lot will ride on Sergino Dest and Franck Kessie, whose futures will be decided in the coming months.

Foyth, who played mostly as a centre-back for Spurs, moved to Villarreal in 2020 initially on loan, before making a permanent switch the following year.

The 25-year-old was part of Argentina's successful squad at the 2022 World Cup, making a showing in the semi-final victory against Croatia.

It is thought that Xavi is also after Real Sociedad's Martín Zubimendi, who was previously linked to Arsenal.

Xavi wants Messi return

The manager recently stated that the doors will always be open for Lionel Messi to make a sensational return to the Catalan club amid speculation the attacker is about to sign a fresh deal with Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi’s contract is up in the summer and his former teammate spoke about how he would like to bring the star back to the Nou Camp.

He told the Hindustan Times: “Why not (about the possibility of Messi’s return)? I think it depends on him.

“What he wants, what he feels. Of course, Barcelona is always Messi's home. Doors will be opened for Leo, especially if I'm the coach here.

“Let's see what he wants to do. The decision depends on Messi more than the club.”