Barcelona will reportedly run the rule over 31-year-old Belgian right-back Thomas Meunier at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona will track several players at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. One of these is 31-year-old right-back Thomas Meunier, who they have tried to sign previously from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
Thomas Meunier has represented some of the most renowned clubs in Europe in his professional career. The Belgian international’s career peaked when he was at Paris Saint-Germain from 2016 to 2020. But he has found a new lease on life since joining Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund two years ago.
The 31-year-old has turned out 73 times thus far for Dortmund, chipping in with three goals and eight assists. Meunier is currently in Qatar to represent Belgium at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. And one club will closely monitor his performances in the coming month, that being Barcelona.
Barcelona attempted to sign Meunier in the last two transfer windows, but a move did not materialise. The Blaugrana even reached advanced talks to land the experienced right-back in the summer, but it was not to be for them. However, the interest in Meunier has not waned much in the last two months.
Barcelona zeroed in on Hector Bellerin to bolster the right-back berth after the departures of Dani Alves and Sergino Dest. But the Spaniard has failed to convince Xavi Hernandez, who has even used Alejandro Balde as a makeshift right-back. So Barcelona will have to address a problem area next summer.
Several right-backs have thus emerged on the Catalan outfit’s radar, with Meunier being a viable target. While the Belgian international is on the wrong side of 30, he might be a cost-effective option. Meunier’s contract with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund will have 12 months left next summer.
So while Diogo Dalot is another top target, Barcelona’s financial issues might compel them to pursue the 31-year-old instead. And a summer move might be the likeliest option, considering the Black and Yellows are alive in three competitions. It will be interesting to see if Meunier becomes a priority for Barcelona.
