FC Barcelona has shown willingness to evaluate various market opportunities to strengthen a position where there seems to be no absolute certainties at the club: the left-back position. The incumbent in this position is the La Masia product Alejandro Balde, who is backed up by Gerard Martín. The latter is one of the players whose performance has recently been a topic of debate, although he has the confidence of Hansi Flick, who has fielded him on occasions when it has been necessary to replace the Spanish-Dominican full-back.
With this premise, Barcelona could be considering a new option in the market to reinforce the left flank. This involves a young left-back who also fits into the strategy of 'low-cost' signings and is having stellar performances in Dutch football.
Hugo Bueno, the 'low-cost' option that Barcelona is reportedly monitoring to bolster the left-back position
As reported by 'SPORT', Barcelona is currently closely monitoring the left-back playing for Feyenoord but belonging to Wolverhampton: Hugo Bueno, a 22-year-old player whose market value, according to 'Transfermarkt', is around €6M. With this in mind, it is speculated that his release clause might be more affordable compared to other alternatives that have interested the Blaugrana in the past.
Hugo Bueno, who is under contract with Wolverhampton until 2028, has managed three assists in the 10 matches he has played this 2024-25 season with Feyenoord. Initially known as a left winger, the Vigo-born player excels in the offensive aspect, although he has improved physically as a full-back. Despite being left-footed, he handles both profiles well, allowing him to take up more central positions on more than one occasion. Additionally, the Vigo native does not neglect his defensive performance, which has been gradually improving.
It remains to be seen whether FC Barcelona will decide to bet on Hugo Bueno, who has become a regular in Santi Denia's Spanish U-21 national team call-ups. In this context, it is also important to note that there is the possibility that the Vigo defender's arrival at the Catalan club could be in the form of a loan.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that Hugo Bueno is represented by Jorge Mendes. The Portuguese agent has a good relationship with Joan Laporta, the president of the Barcelona entity, and Deco, the sporting director, which could facilitate the negotiations.
The top priority option to reinforce the left-back position still appears to be Alphonso Davies
However, this seems more like an option to consider as a 'backup', with Alphonso Davies, the 24-year-old Canadian left-back, apparently Hansi Flick's ideal target to reinforce the left-back position. Although this option may seem quite challenging at the moment, it cannot be completely ruled out that he may join the Blaugrana squad next summer.