La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly still interested in signing 26-year-old Spanish full-back Pablo Maffeo from RCD Mallorca.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Pablo Maffeo is still the subject of interest from Barcelona. The Blaugrana will enter the market for a right-back in the 2024 summer transfer window if they fail to complete a permanent transfer of Joao Cancelo. The 26-year-old RCD Mallorca full-back has thus emerged as an alternative.
Pablo Maffeo took some time to find his feet at the club. A former trainee at RCD Espanyol and Manchester City, the Spaniard embarked on six loan spells while at Manchester City and VfB Stuttgart before establishing a foothold at a club. He turned out on loan for Girona four times, but a temporary stint at RCD Mallorca changed his life.
The Spanish club signed him on loan for the 2021/22 season before completing a permanent transfer last year. The 26-year-old has come leaps and bounds since then, establishing himself as one of the best full-backs in La Liga. Maffeo has started the season well, turning out seven times this term.
The Spanish defender’s progress at RCD Mallorca has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Barcelona also considered securing Maffeo’s services in the summer transfer window before zeroing in on Joao Cancelo. But while Cancelo has joined Barcelona on loan, it is unclear if he will complete a permanent transfer next year.
Barcelona’s deal to sign Cancelo in a permanent deal might not be straightforward, with Manchester City complicating negotiations. So, it behoves the reigning La Liga champions to keep their options open. Several right-backs, including Juan Foyth, have thus emerged on Barcelona’s radar.
But Pablo Maffeo is also a viable target for the Blaugrana as they scour the market for right-backs. Cancelo’s permanent transfer remains Barcelona’s priority. However, Maffeo can be a solid addition to their squad, considering he is well-settled in La Liga.
The 26-year-old Spanish full-back might not take long to establish a foothold at the club, even though he will not be a marquee signing. But it will be interesting to see if Barcelona will launch the offensive for the RCD Mallorca defender next summer.