According to Sport, as cited by FussballTransfers(FT), Barcelona are still keeping tabs on Raphael Guerreiro. The Borussia Dortmund star has been targeted as a potential option, should the Catalans have any money left in the summer, after their expected pursuit of Neymar and Lautaro Martinez.
Dortmund’s woes in the left-back department
The likely return of Achraf Hakimi to Santiago Bernabeu could create a massive void in Dortmund’s right-back slot. But, the club faces an even bigger problem on the opposite flank.
Last summer’s marquee signing Nico Schulz has failed miserably since joining from TSG Hoffenheim. The German international simply hasn’t been able to keep up with the high-intensity game at BVB. He has often looked tentative against high pressing opposition, thereby losing possession more often than not.
Meanwhile, the experienced Marcel Schmelzer is clearly a misfit in Favre’s system. And at the age of 32, he is already in the final phase of his career, leaving Guerreiro as the only option at left-back.
The Portuguese international has predominantly featured in that role for Dortmund this season, although he has been deployed in a slightly more advanced role due to Favre’s 3-4-3 setup. And with the Black and Yellows having no real back-up, keeping hold of Guerreiro could be imperative this summer.
A technically versatile individual
What makes Guerreiro such an essential component in the Dortmund side is his versatility. A left midfielder by trade, the ex-Lorient starlet can play in a variety of roles, including central midfield, attacking midfield, left-wing, left-back and even as a deep-lying playmaker.
This provides Favre with a host of tactical choices all around the pitch, although the Portuguese is most effective playing down the left flank. Another key asset Guerreiro can offer is his technicality. He is a technically astute player, who is well aware of his positioning and can easily rotate possession at a quick-rate.
This is why the 26-year-old is a tailor-made fit for Favre’s tactical setup that requires a proper understanding of the one-touch football and possession-based gameplay.
Dortmund could lose other stars
Borussia Dortmund are in danger of losing one of their star wingers in Jadon Sancho this summer. The English international has been hugely linked with a return to England, with Manchester United among the clubs interested in his services. His departure could create a massive hole in the club’s creative department.
Moreover, Real Madrid are keeping an eye on star striker Erling Haaland. Although the young Norwegian is unlikely to leave the club in the summer, the Black and Yellows should be ready for a battle to keep hold of him for the long-term. Guerreiro’s potential move to Barcelona, in that regard, would create a massive distraction among the existing players.
