Barcelona face stiff competition from Italian giants in the pursuit of former defender

Former Barcelona defender Oscar Mingueza has been one of the revelations in La Liga this season, producing a series of top performances for Celta Vigo.

The right-back has racked up four goals and two assists in just eight matches, which has attracted the interest of a host of top clubs across Europe.

Even Barcelona themselves are reportedly considering the possibility of re-signing the former La Masia starlet, who could be available for €10 million.

Although Mingueza’s release clause at Celta Vigo stands at €20 million, Barcelona have 50% of his transfer rights, meaning they can re-sign the player at a 50% discount.

Roma to offer stiff competition

According to SPORT, however, Barcelona are set to face stiff competition in the race to sign Mingueza, with AS Roma also interested in the player.

The Giallorossi were interested in a move for Mingueza in the past but did not submit a formal offer for the player.

But Roma have now conveyed serious interest in the player and are even weighing up a lucrative contract to woo the player.

The Italian heavyweights should be aware that Barcelona own 50% of the player’s transfer rights. Hence, the only they can sign the right-back is to convince him to choose Roma over Barcelona, where he might find a difficult task of getting regular game-time.

Can Mingueza fit into Barcelona?

Hansi Flick appears to have found his solution for the right-back position in the form of Jules Kounde, who has performed quite consistently this season.

Flick has Hector Fort as a potential alternative for Kounde at right-back. But that said, the club do require the presence of a more natural first-choice option in the position, and that is where Mingueza comes into the fray.

The Spaniard has shown that he is capable of providing width and creativity going forward, while his defensive work ethic is also quite impressive.

As a former graduate of the academy, Mingueza is also very familiar with Barcelona’s style of play, and therefore, he should have no problems integrating back into the squad.