Kyle Walker Could Be The Answer To Barcelona’s Right-Back Problems

Barcelona could make a sensational swoop for Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Catalans failed to replace long-serving defender Dani Alves in the summer last year, after the Brazilian opted to move to Juventus and are on the hunt for a new right-back. The 26-year old Englishman high up on their list.

Walker has been in excellent form this season for Tottenham and has established himself as one of the most important players of the Spurs’ squad. His brilliance saw Manchester United and Manchester City reportedly make a move for him along with his left-back partner Danny Rose, but were refuted by Tottenham.

The Blaugrana, however, hold Walker in the highest of regards. Despite knowing that it will be hard to prise him away from Tottenham, they will make an effort to bring him in the summer. The England international signed a new five-year contract with the club last year believed to be worth £70,000 per week, and could prove to be an expensive option for Barcelona.

Barcelona went into the season extremely short-handed on personnel in the right-back position with Aleix Vidal the only recognized right-sided defender in their ranks. Academy graduate and midfielder Sergi Roberto has been used as the makeshift right-back. The Spaniard began the season on a great note, but his performances have been on the wane in recent weeks and has become a liability at the back for the Catalans.

Aleix Vidal, on the other hand, has struggled to establish himself at the Camp Nou following his move from Sevilla back in 2015. But having forced himself into the picture recently, the Spaniard saw his season brought to an abrupt end after sustaining a serious ankle injury two weeks back.

Comparing the options that the last year’s La Liga winners currently possess in their roster, Walker will be a huge improvement by many miles. The 26-year old has developed into a star man at the White Hart Lane and has established himself as a regular at both club and international level.

Walker is enjoying his best-ever season with the Lilywhites this term. Having already chalked up five assists for his team – the most by any Premier League defender, and having created 32 clear-cut opportunities – second highest among the entire Spurs’ squad, Walker, with his rampaging runs down the flank, has developed into one of Mauricio Pochettino’s most deadly weapon in attack. His defensive game too has been at the topmost level and he has played a huge role in Tottenham establishing themselves as one of the best teams defensively in the league. And as a result, he has become, arguably, the best full-back in England currently.

With Barcelona struggling in recent weeks, manager Luis Enrique’s transfer policy has been heavily criticized for having failed to bring in reinforcements on the right-hand side of the defence and the club will be itching to rectify this error. Signing Walker could go a long way in helping the Catalans get back up next season, but it is hard to see Tottenham letting go of one of their star men. Even if they do, there are no doubts that the defender will command a hefty price tag. If Barcelona manage to lure him away, their right-back issues will certainly be put to bed for the foreseeable future.