Barcelona are reportedly weighing up a move to sign Thomas Meunier, who could be open to leaving PSG this summer.
According to a report by Spanish publication Sport, Thomas Meunier could be open to leaving PSG in the summer transfer window. Barcelona have set their sights on the Belgian international as they look to add a solid right-back to their squad.
Meunier has endured a topsy turvy spell at PSG since moving from Club Brugge in the summer of 2016. After a solid first season at Parc des Princes, the arrival of Dani Alves last summer pushed him down the pecking order. As a result, the Belgian international managed to start just 24 matches across all competitions.
The reduced role is unlikely to have left Meunier happy. And, in the aftermath of an impressive World Cup campaign, the player is eager to feature more regularly at the club level next season. One club might just be able to provide him just that is Barcelona.
The Blaugrana have struggled to replace Dani Alves, who has coincidentally upstaged the Belgian international at PSG, since his departure from Camp Nou in 2016. While Sergi Roberto has been impressive as a right-back over the last two seasons, the Barcelona academy graduate prefers playing as a midfielder.
Beyond Roberto, the likes of Aleix Vidal and Nelson Semedo haven’t managed to stamp their authority, whenever given an opportunity. While it is believed that Semedo will get another chance in the upcoming campaign, Barcelona’s need to sign a right-back arises from the fact that Roberto is likely to finally get his big break in midfield.
Alvaro Odriozola was believed to be Barcelona’s priority. But, Real Madrid prevailed in the race to sign the young Spaniard instead. The La Liga champions have thus, turned their attention towards the Belgian international. The player’s acquisition could have a knock-on effect of bolstering midfield by freeing Roberto to take up a midfield role next season.
Meunier though, will first seek assurances of regular game time once he returns to PSG from his post-World Cup break. Should he not get guarantees of becoming the first-choice right-back, a move away from Parc des Princes could be on the cards, with Barcelona waiting in the wings to launch the offensive for him.
The big stumbling block for Barcelona in pursuit of the Belgian international though, is their frosty relationship with Les Parisiens. But, if Meunier does make his intention to leave clear to PSG, their hand could be forced.
As far as PSG are concerned though, retaining Meunier will be a sensible long-term decision, with Alves set to turn 36 before the 2018-19 season ends. Barcelona will keep tabs on the situation till then, and landing Meunier definitely looks possible.
