Reece James's name has started to resonate strongly in Barça's offices. According to the newspaper "El Nacional," the Catalan club is seriously considering his addition as reinforcement for the right-back position. It is not the first time his name has been linked to Barça, but now there seems to be greater conviction.
Despite injuries having affected his career, the Chelsea defender is still considered by many as one of the most complete full-backs in the world. Although injuries have hindered his continuity, Barça sees him as a market opportunity.
Barça Will Sign Competition for Koundé
Barça's urgency to find a new right-back is evident. Currently, Jules Koundé is the only player Hansi Flick trusts for that position. In fact, he is the footballer with the most minutes played in the entire squad this season.
Héctor Fort is the natural replacement in that position, but Flick doesn't fully trust him. In this regard, this lack of confidence forces the club to turn to the market.
Reece James Could Arrive for a Very Reduced Price
Reece James's injury history has significantly impacted his market value. This season he has barely played 16 matches in the Premier League, a low figure for a player of his caliber. However, this situation could become an advantage for Barça, because Chelsea would be willing to let him go for an amount close to 30 million.
For a club like Barça, which must watch every euro due to Fair Play restrictions, these types of opportunities do not go unnoticed. Reece would arrive in an environment where the demand is high, but also where he could reinvent himself and compete for the position with Koundé. A healthy competition that would elevate the defensive level of the blaugrana team.
The Other Options
Although Reece James is an attractive option, he is not the only one. The sports management is also closely following Marc Pubill, from Almería. Despite being in the second division, the young full-back has left a good impression and stands out for his physique and offensive projection.
Another option is Andrei Ratiu, from Rayo Vallecano. With league experience, Ratiu has proven to be a reliable full-back, capable of fulfilling both defensive and offensive tasks. His signing wouldn't require a large investment, something crucial in the club's current economic context.