Barcelona are reportedly following Rennes’ captain Hamari Traore as they look to strengthen their options in the right-back slot.
According to Foot Mercato, Barcelona have shown an interest in signing Rennes’ captain and right-back Hamari Traore before the ongoing summer transfer window slams shut.
Traore has been with Rennes for five years now, having joined the club from fellow French outfit Reims. During his time with the Ligue 1 outfit, the 30-year-old has racked up 205 appearances in which he has bagged five goals and 21 assists. Currently the captain of the team, the Malian international enjoyed a brilliant season last time out, finishing with three goals and 11 assists in just 33 Ligue 1 matches.
Traore is in the final year of his contract with Rennes, and given his attacking capabilities and experience, Barcelona have taken an interest in the right-back as they look to reinforce the position in the current transfer window.
Barcelona decided not to renew the contract of Dani Alves, which expired at the end of the last season. On top of that, they have also put Sergino Dest up for sale, which has left them light in the right-back department. Sergi Roberto is the only option at Xavi’s disposal and while Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde can play at right-back, going an entire season with makeshift options would be hardly advisable.
Hence, Barcelona are scouring the market for a new right-back and have identified several options that include the likes of Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United) and Vanderson (AS Monaco), among several others.
And as per the report, Hamari Traore has also emerged as a target for the Catalan giants, with advisor Jordi Cruyff, in particular, heavily impressed by the 30-year-old’s profile. However, Barcelona are not the only club interested in the 30-year-old, who is also on the radars of clubs like Crystal Palace, Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Traore would be a feasible option for Barcelona to consider, given his contract situation at Rennes. The Malian international has accumulated enough experience at this level to slot in as a starter immediately at Camp Nou. But, at the moment, the 30-year-old is not seen as a priority option by the La Liga giants. It remains to be seen if that stance changes in the coming days.
