Could Barça sign him? Nuno Mendes, the fashionable left-back in Europe

If Lamine Yamal didn't have a good night in Munich during the Portugal-Spain (2-2, 5-3 p.), it was largely thanks to the remarkable defensive work done by Nuno Mendes. The 22-year-old full-back became the first defender who, this 2025, is capable of nullifying the FC Barcelona star.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender took advantage of his physical power to reduce spaces for a Lamine who practically never managed to comfortably face up on the wing. The '25' completed 10 defensive actions, 3 recoveries and won 7 of 12 individual duels.

In addition, he scored a goal and was chosen as the MVP of the final. Mendes came from winning everything with PSG, so he is having his best year as a professional after four seasons at the Parc des Princes. Not surprisingly, for many, he is the best left-back in the world today.

Nuno Mendes, a real gold mine for PSG

Nuno Mendes, celebrating a goal in the Champions League with PSG

Paris signed the Lisbon native in 2021 on loan for one year in exchange for 7 million euros. The defender had only played 47 games with Sporting and, although he was one of the most promising full-backs of the 'lions', he was completely unknown in Europe.

After a first season in which he played 40 games (3 assists), PSG executed his release clause of 38 million euros in the summer of 2022. Now, his market value already reaches 70 'kilos' and, for many, he is the most complete left-back in the world today.

Despite his height (1.80) and build, he is a technically fine player, who combines speed and power, in addition to a remarkable ability to anticipate and read to prevail in one-on-one situations.

This, added to his good foot and remarkable striking ability, makes him an 'all-terrain' wing-back, capable of contributing a lot in attack without neglecting defensive work. In the Champions League, he 'dried up' Mohamed Salah (round of 16) and Marcus Thuram (final). With 4 goals and 2 assists in terms of offensive contribution, he logically entered the ideal XI of the season along with Lamine and Raphinha.

Related

Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, in the ideal XI of the Champions 2024/25

Nuno Mendes' records in 2024/25:

1. Matches played: 46 (39 as starter)
2. Minutes played: 3,546
3. Goals: 6
4. Assists: 6
5. Cautions: 8

Could Barça try to sign Nuno Mendes this year?

Looking ahead to the summer market that opens on June 16, Barça could try to sign Nuno Mendes as long as they offered one of their players as a bargaining chip. Both Ronald Araujo and Gavi have been on the Parisian radar for some time and, in the case of the midfielder, his market value (60 million) is quite close to that of the Portuguese international.

In addition, he is a player of total confidence for Luis Enrique. However, neither the Andalusian nor the club are interested in a transfer or exchange this year. Nor is it the case of Araujo, beyond the secondary role that both had in 24/25 with those of Hansi Flick.

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Gavi responds to PSG's interest and opens up about his future in Barcelona

After missing several months due to injury (Gavi's, much more serious), both the '6' and the '4' had a logical period of readaptation to find their physical peak. Discarding the option of an exchange, Barcelona could only assume a transfer like Nuno's if they complete a 'top' sale.

In addition, the Portuguese full-back's salary (around 10 'kilos' net per year) is too high for the culé budget. Mendes renewed last February for four more years, until 2029, so PSG has shielded him. Whoever wants him will have to put up about 100 M€ to take him. A scenario that is unexpected for now, as the defender feels very comfortable in Paris.

Player's technical sheet

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