Barcelona ask price of 25-year-old Bayern Munich star ahead of potential transfer: Reports
Barcelona have reportedly enquired about the price of Bayern Munich full-back Noussair Mazraoui.
The 25-year-old made a name for himself at Ajax under Erik ten Hag's tutelage during the 2018-19 season. Mazraoui made 137 top-flight appearances for the Eredivisie side before joining Bayern Munich ahead of the 2022-23 season on a four-year deal.
Mazraoui can operate as a central midfielder and winger, however, his best position is at right-back. Unfortunately for him, he played a bit-part role under former manager Julian Nagelsmann. The likes of Benjamin Pavard and Joao Cancelo were preferred to the Morocco international.
Mazraoui's fortunes changed when Thomas Tuchel replaced Nageslmann as Bayern Munich's manager. He was given more opportunities to start and has featured 25 times in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing four assists so far.
According to El Nacional, despite getting more minutes on the pitch, his time at Bayern Munich could be coming to an imminent end. Thomas Tuchel could reportedly lose his job over the summer as the Bavarians have had a disappointing season.
They have been knocked out of all domestic competitions and the UEFA Champions League. They are also likely to miss out on the Bundesliga title to Borussia Dortmund for the first time in more than a decade. They trail BVB by two points with just one game left to play.
Noussair Mazraoui could be forced to leave the Bavarians as he is unlikely to be given game time without Tuchel. Barcelona would be an excellent option for the Moroccan as they need reinforcements at right-back.
According to reports, Mazraoui isn't Barcelona's No. 1 target for the right-back. However, club president Joan Laporta believes he could be the right acquisition for the Blaugrana. Hence, he has allegedly asked Bayern about their asking price.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez reveals the Blaugrana's number one transfer priority this summer
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez revealed that the Blaugrana's number one transfer priority this summer is strengthening their midfield, rather than at right-back.
Xavi cited the main reason for this being the departure of their captain Sergio Busquets in the summer. He said (via Football Espana):
“It’s not the number one priority. Busi is leaving and we need a high-level defensive midfielder. An important, differential footballer is leaving us. And we have to replace him. The more we strengthen ourselves, we’ll be more competitive.”
Sergio Busquets recently announced he was leaving Barcelona at the end of the season after 15 sensational seasons at the club. He has made 721 appearances and has won 32 trophies for the Blaugrana, including nine La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies.
It will be hard for the La Liga champions to find a suitable replacement for him. Frenkie de Jong currently is a possible option to deputize for Busquets, while they have been linked with Joshua Kimmich as well.