Barcelona are reportedly looking at AS Roma’s Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez as a potential alternative for Jules Kounde.
According to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, as relayed by Barca Universal, AS Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez has emerged as a possible Plan B for Barcelona as they see Jules Kounde slip out of their hands.
Barcelona are keen on signing another centre-half after having already brought in Andreas Christensen this summer. And manager Xavi Hernandez had made Kounde his top target. The Frenchman has become one of the most sought-after young defenders in the market after his exploits with Sevilla over the past three years.
While Barcelona were intent on signing him, it seems like Chelsea might have beaten them to the punch after reaching an agreement with Sevilla for the signing of the 23-year-old. Even though the deal is not over the line and Barcelona are still in with a chance to turn things around, they are keeping their options open and looking at possible alternatives.
To that end, Barcelona are reportedly looking at Inter Milan star Milan Skriniar and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, with AS Roma ace Roger Ibanez also emerging as a possible target for the Catalan giants.
Ibanez moved to Italy in January 2019 when he signed for Atalanta from Fluminense. And a year later, he moved to AS Roma, initially on loan, before his transfer was made permanent last summer. The 23-year-old has been a permanent fixture in the backline for Giallorossi and played an integral role in their UEFA Europa Conference League triumph last season.
Ibanez has made 101 appearances for the Italian capital club, in which he has six goals and two assists. The Brazil Under-23 defender has been linked with a slew of big clubs in the past, but nothing has materialised. However, with Barcelona desperate for a new defensive addition and running out of options, Ibanez could be a viable target for them.
However, Roma have him tied down to a contract until the summer of 2025. And with still three years on his deal, the Giallorossi could demand a significant fee for the defender, which could put him out of Barcelona’s hands.
