Barcelona add 21-year-old rising full-back to their transfer shortlist | OneFootball

Barcelona have added another emerging name to their transfer shortlist, with Marco Palestra now on the club’s radar ahead of the summer window.

According to a report from SPORT, it has come to light that the full-back, currently playing on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta, has attracted Barcelona’s attention following a series of impressive performances. 

In fact, it is also said that the Catalan side has sent scouts to monitor his development, which signals genuine interest rather than a casual enquiry.

Barcelona’s transfer plan

As such, Barcelona’s transfer strategy is pretty much clear. 

The club’s primary focus is on signing a striker and a left-footed centre-back. 

Only after addressing those priorities will they look to reinforce other areas of the squad, depending on financial flexibility and potential departures.

This is where the full-back situation becomes relevant, as the futures of Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde are not fully guaranteed. 

While neither has been officially placed on the transfer list, Barcelona are open to evaluating offers if they arrive, which could create space for reinforcements.

Barcelona are tracking Marco Palestra. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

As a result, players such as Andrea Cambiaso and Alejandro Grimaldo have already been linked, and Palestra is now the latest addition to that list.

Who is Marco Palestra?

As reported by the outlet, 21-year-old Palestra stands out for his versatility, meaning he can operate on both flanks. 

Originally developed as a midfielder, he has transitioned into a full-back role while retaining strong ball control and attacking instincts.

As expected, Palestra’s rise has not gone unnoticed across Europe, with clubs like Juventus and Inter Milan tracking him, while Chelsea are among the Premier League sides showing interest. 

His current valuation is believed to be around €30 million, making him an attainable but competitive target for everyone involved.

Right now, though, Barcelona’s interest remains conditional. 

This means any serious move will depend on how the squad evolves in the coming months, particularly in defence.