One of FC Barcelona's summer signings could have his days numbered at the club

FC Barcelona is facing a series of crucial decisions regarding a specific position on the field: the right-back. Apparently, the Catalan club is still unsure who will take up this position as the first choice, not due to a lack of options, as they have up to four players capable of regularly performing in that role, but rather because all seem equally deserving of the spot.

Initially, and in the absence of potential signings like João Cancelo, everything points to Jules Koundé taking up the right-back position, following the trend from last season. The Frenchman recently joined the Blaugrana dynamics during this 2024/25 preseason. So far, he has not had the chance to play in the friendly against Manchester City (2-2) or the match against Real Madrid (1-2), so it has yet to be determined whether he will be used as a center-back or a right-back. It remains to be seen what role the German coach assigns to the '23' in the upcoming friendly against AC Milan on August 6 in Baltimore.

Alex Valle, an unexpected and intriguing alternative

In addition to Koundé, there are other options to strengthen the right-back position, such as the surprising choice of Alex Valle. Initially seen as a substitute for Alejandro Balde on the left flank, his natural position, the German coach has deployed him as a right-back in a couple of matches, showing significant performance in both defensive and offensive duties.

In fact, in the match against the 'merengues', the player from Badalona pulled off a great assist "out of the hat". From the right side, on his weaker foot, he delivered a fine cross that curved beautifully and found Pau Víctor in the heart of the box to put the score at 0-1.

Héctor Fort, a versatile option

Another option for FC Barcelona on the right flank is Héctor Fort. Despite spending most of his career at Barça as a left-back, he is nominally a right-back. Indeed, Hansi Flick gave him 45 minutes on that side against Manchester City and 25 minutes against Real Madrid, showing that he can be a more than valid choice for that position.

Julián Araujo, a potential candidate for sale by FC Barcelona?

Lastly, Julián Araujo should be mentioned, who seems to be perhaps the least favored option by the German coach for the right-back position. If the need arises to part ways with a right-back, the Mexican could be a viable alternative. It's worth noting that the former UD Las Palmas player did not play against Real Madrid, and in the match against Manchester City, Hansi Flick did not field him as a right-back, a role taken by Héctor Fort, instead opting to place him as a right-winger.