Barcelona had a 2-0 lead over Celta Vigo and seemed headed for a bounce-back victory after falling 1-0 to Real Sociedad before the November international fixtures, but they suffered arguably just as disappointing of a result in the end.
As has been the case over the years, Barcelona dropped points at the Balaidos, collapsing defensively in a 2-2 draw, with Jules Kounde giving with an assist and taking away with a horrible blunder that proved costly.
For the second straight game, Barcelona failed to get a win without superstar right winger Lamine Yamal, but most of the criticisms have been directed towards the defense, specifically at an underperforming fullback duo.
Alejandro Balde has regressed badly since being the best left back in European football as a breakout star in Barca’s La Liga-winning 2022/23 campaign, while the right back position remains vacant with Kounde masquerading as the starter, where he is often an asset but clearly remains a suboptimal option for a team with Champions League title aspirations.
As such, Diario Sport reports that after watching Barcelona struggle to move the ball effectively on the flanks while showing vulnerabilities defensively, the Blaugrana have resolved to make two fullback signings – one for the left, one for the right – in the summer 2025 transfer window.
The expected move is said to be agreed by both sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick, with the latter famously leaving Bayern Munich in part because his sporting director didn’t sign an adequate right back replacement.
So in addition to Joan Laporta’s dream wish of an impact left winger, Barcelona now have two priorities on the transfer market to juggle next summer, with both left and right side equally prioritized amidst the concerning lack of progress in Balde’s development.
Barcelona could, in theory, make a new signing this winter, but it seems much more likely for them to find what they are looking for in the summer, especially since Flick’s former Bayern left back Alphonso Davies will be available for free.
