Barcelona targeting Villarreal duo to strenghten defence
Karan Tejwani
- 11 Nov 2022 14:50 GMT
- 3 min read
Barcelona are in the market for new defensive signings following the retirement of Gerard Pique and several injury issues and have a Villarreal duo in their sights.
The team have struggled with injury issues as Ronaldo Araujo and Jules Kounde have both been affected in this campaign, while Andreas Christensen has also had to spend time away from the pitch.
There have been a host of names linked with Barcelona in recent times and they may make a move in the winter to keep their squad ready ahead of the second half of the season.
READ: Alba has no intention in following Pique and Busquets out of Barcelona
According to Mundo Deportivo, the club had scouts present at Wednesday evening’s fixture between Espanyol and Villarreal to closely observe two talents.
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Barcelona targeting Villarreal defenders
The report from the publication suggests Barcelona representatives were present at the game to watch Juan Foyth and Jorge Cuenca.
Foyth was a target for Barcelona late in the summer transfer window but the club were put off by the high asking price set on the Argentine international – the club want him as a right-back signing.
READ: Revealed: Why Pique held off retirement to help Barcelona
They wanted about €20 million for the player but Villarreal wanted about double that for the defender, which forced them to focus on other targets, and an injury issue for the player completely ended the move.
Other than him, they are also looking to improve in the centre-back position and Jorge Cuenca is a target for them – he is someone they know well.
He was contracted to Barcelona before and played for their B side, with one senior appearance to his name coming in the Copa del Rey.
.@EduPolo: "Juan Foyth was Barça's favourite option after they were unable to sign Azpilicueta. Barcelona couldn't sign Juan Foyth, but I think they will still be interested in signing him."
— Via @carpetasFCB pic.twitter.com/lrD7ZFkKij— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) October 11, 2022
He joined Villarreal in 2020 and spent time away on loan before making an impact this season, earning himself plenty of first-team opportunities.
Cuenca is one of many centre-back targets along with Athletic Club’s Inigo Martinez and Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte as Barcelona look to strengthen at the back.
