Barcelona extremely attentive to free agent market; two full-backs make the shortlist

Barcelona extremely attentive to free agent market; two full-backs make the shortlist Barcelona are already looking ahead to next summer and have started keeping a close eye on the full-back market, with two experienced left-backs emerging as potential options. According to SPORT , RB Leipzig captain David Raum and Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell are among the players being monitored by the Catalan club.  Notably, both are under contract until 2027, so their situations could become interesting as the season progresses. Barcelona assessing options at left-back Currently, the Blaugrana have several players capable of covering the wide defensive positions.  As such, the likes of Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde provide options on the right, while Joao Cancelo, Xavi Espart and Alejandro Balde can operate on the opposite flank. There is a slight imbalance, though, with Cancelo and Espart being right-footed options.  Hansi Flick knows David Raum from his Germany tenure. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Balde, on the other hand, remains the natural left-back, but his start to the campaign has not been extremely troubling, leaving Barcelona assessing what the position could look like next season.  As reported before, Balde’s departure cannot be completely ruled out if circumstances change and the player agrees to move on, which would make reinforcement a more pressing issue. Raum and Mitchell offer different profiles Raum is particularly familiar to Hansi Flick, as the German coach knows him from his time around the national team and has seen his performances up close. The 28-year-old brings international experience and has established himself as a regular for Leipzig.  It is said that the Bundesliga outlet is keen to extend his contract and prevent him from reaching the final stages of his current deal, but nothing his finalised. Tyrick Mitchell has been linked to Barcelona in the past. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) On the other hand, Mitchell is also approaching the final stage of his contract and has been linked with Barcelona in the past . Barcelona must plan before January It is crucial to understand that players entering the final stages of their contracts can negotiate with clubs from January, potentially creating competition for their signatures well before the summer window opens. Meanwhile, Barcelona are also expecting changes within their own squad during the January transfer window, particularly on the flanks.  This is because there is surplus in certain areas, meaning departures could create the space and squad flexibility required for a new arrival. Raum and Mitchell are therefore names worth watching, although there is still a long way to go before Barcelona make any definitive decision on their next left-back.