The FIFA World Cup 2022 is just a day away from kicking off in Qatar and Barcelona will be watching the tournament closely, given that the La Liga leaders have as many as 17 players representing their respective nations in Qatar.
At the same time, with the January transfer window looming, Barça will also have an eye on players who they can target for the winter in order to bolster their ranks.
The right-back position has emerged as a key priority for Xavi Hernandez & co. heading into the mid-season break due to the unconvincing performances of Hector Bellerin.
And, Mundo Deportivo is now reporting that Barcelona will be closely following as many as four right-backs as potential targets throughout the World Cup in Qatar.
Diogo Dalot of Manchester United will be at the tournament representing Portugal and is a player that Barcelona have on their list. The 23-year-old is seen as one of the top targets at Spotify Camp Nou due to his age, experience and contract situation.
Indeed, Dalot’s contract with Manchester United expires at the end of the season and even though the Red Devils are likely to trigger a unilateral one-year extension, the right-back could still be available for a reasonable price.
Thomas Meunier is another name that Barcelona intend to track at the World Cup. The 31-year-old Belgian international was linked with a move to the Catalan outfit last summer, but Borussia Dortmund’s €15 million asking price became a barrier.
Juan Foyth, meanwhile, was Barça’s second choice in the summer behind Cesar Azpilicueta. However, an injury late in the transfer window meant a move did not materialise.
The Villarreal and Argentina right-back is back to full fitness and will be taking part in the World Cup, where Barcelona plan to follow him closely, with reports indicating that the 24-year-old is the current priority for Xavi.
Lastly, Barça will also have their sights set on Bayern Munich and France defender Benjamin Pavard. The 26-year-old has opened the door for an exit from the Allianz Arena recently and with his contract expiring in 2024, could be available for an affordable price.
However, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, who has primarily played at right-back for Bayern, sees himself as a centre-back moving forward in his career, which could be a roadblock for the Blaugrana.