Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is an admirer of the qualities of RCD Mallorca’s 26-year-old Spanish full-back Pablo Maffeo.
According to La Portera de Nunez, Pablo Maffeo is the subject of interest from Barcelona. And Xavi Hernandez is a keen admirer of the well-travelled 26-year-old full-back. But the reigning La Liga champions will face stiff competition from Sevilla in the race to sign the RCD Mallorca defender.
Pablo Maffeo is a graduate of the Manchester City youth division, although he spent most of his formative years in Spain. But the Spanish right-back rose to prominence during his loan spells with Girona. And a move to VfB Stuttgart did not work out either before he returned to Spain for good last summer.
The 26-year-old has found a new home at RCD Mallorca after being a journeyman for a few years. Maffeo also represented Mallorca on loan in the 2021/22 season and has turned out 73 times thus far for the club. He has also chipped in with three goals and eight assists. Meanwhile, the player’s progress at Son Moix has alerted several clubs, including Barcelona.
Barcelona will hope to sign a right-back in the ongoing transfer window as they look to find a solution to a long-standing problem. Not since Dani Alves’s first spell at Camp Nou have the Catalan giants had a reliable right-back. And Joan Laporta and Xavi Hernandez want a long-term right-back answer to their woes.
Ivan Fresneda has thus emerged as a top target for Barcelona. And recent reports have claimed that the reigning La Liga champions lead the race to sign the teenage sensation. But widespread suggestions point to the budget problems holding Barcelona back, even though Fresneda will cost only €10 million.
Pablo Maffeo has thus emerged as a viable alternative on Barcelona’s wishlist. And the report claims Xavi Hernandez is an admirer of the former Manchester City defender. But the Blaugrana will face stiff competition from Sevilla for the 26-year-old Spanish full-back.
With Sevilla also in the hunt, Barcelona will have to step up the interest to secure Maffeo’s services. But with UEFA Champions League football on offer, they can perhaps convince the 26-year-old Spanish full-back to join them this summer.
