Barcelona defenders puzzle for the 2024/25 season

As of mid-May, there is only one defender who is almost certainly expected to continue at Barcelona next season, Alejandro Balda who has been injured since January. The player who grew up in La Masia is set to be the starting left-back in 2024/25, with the club continuing to trust him despite his form dropping in the first third of the season, when he played regularly.

In Catalonia they explained that due to Balda’s young age the ups and downs in ability are logical and patience is necessary. As for the loanees, in Barcelona the situation of Julián Araujo and Alex Vailla is being religiously monitored, with the former having a fantastic season in the Las Palmas uniform.

Araujo is also proving himself to be quite an offensive tool and the Spanish champions are satisfied with his progress, when a principled decision was made that he will be part of the squad for next season, it is still not clear whether as the starting right back or as a substitute. By the way, these days he is recovering from an injury that disabled him for several weeks.

Julian Araujo (La Liga)

As for Villa, he played well and regularly until February for Levante, but his status was diminished a few months ago due to a change of coach. His contract ends in 2025 and if Barcelona want him to be part of the next project, they will have to start talks to extend the contract with him.

Joao Cancelo is still a mystery. The club will not go out of its way to keep the loanee from Manchester City, when if the contents allow another loan under the same conditions the Portuguese will stay. At the same time, his recent performances and the serious mistakes against PSG and Real Madrid have damaged his status and the team will not acquire him in any case and will only be open to extending the loan period.

The one who is expected to be part of the squad next season as well is Hector Forte, who grew this season under Xavi. The 17-year-old player may be used as a backup to Cancelo if this continues, and if not – his role at the Blaugrana will be much more significant already at a young age.

Joao Cancelo (Reuters)