La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly considering a move to sign 19-year-old French right-back Malo Gusto from Lyon in January.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Malo Gusto is the subject of interest from FC Barcelona. The Catalan giants want to sign a right-back in the January transfer window, with the 19-year-old Lyon right-back being one of the options on their radar.
Malo Gusto spent his formative years with three French clubs before graduating from the Lyon academy a couple of years ago. The French right-back made his first-team debut for Les Gones in January 2021. And since then, he has established himself as a regular for them.
The 19-year-old has featured prominently for Lyon this season, turning out 13 times while chipping in with one assist. And Gusto’s performances have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several European bigwigs. One of his prospective suitors are Catalan giants Barcelona.
Barcelona initially considered signing Gusto in the summer transfer window. But a shortage of funds forced the Blaugrana to consider cheaper alternatives, with Hector Bellerin arriving on a free transfer on deadline day. However, Bellerin has only signed a one-year contract with Barcelona and will unlikely pen an extension next year.
In addition, the Spaniard has blown hot and cold this season, failing to make his mark in his few outings thus far. And with Sergi Roberto’s performance levels waning, the Catalan giants need to dip their toes in the market again. So a January move for a right-back might be on the cards for Barcelona.
Gusto has thus emerged as a viable target again for Barcelona. Apart from the 19-year-old French right-back, several other players, including Diogo Dalot, are on Barcelona’s radar. But Dalot might not be within the reach of the Blaugrana as he wants to remain at Manchester United. So Gusto might be the ideal option.
Other candidates on Barcelona’s radar are Juan Foyth and Arnau Martinez. The Spanish duo might be able to settle down quickly at Spotify Camp Nou. But the 19-year-old French right-back seemingly has a high ceiling and is an attractive target for Barcelona heading into the January transfer window.
