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Sergi Samper to be given second chance at Barcelona

By Chiranjib Ghosh

Sergi Samper from Spain with Sergi Roberto from Spain during the FC Barcelona training session before the Spanish Supercopa game against Sevilla FC in Tanger. At Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, Barcelona on 11 of August of 2018. (Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Sergi Samper from Spain with Sergi Roberto from Spain during the FC Barcelona training session before the Spanish Supercopa game against Sevilla FC in Tanger. At Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, Barcelona on 11 of August of 2018. (Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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Éric Abidal sees Sergi Samper as backup for Sergio Busquets

The story of Sergi Samper’s Barcelona career has been that of unrealised potential. He made his debut for the first-team squad in the 2014/15 season in the Copa del Rey. But till date, the 23-year old defensive midfielder has made just 10 appearances for the senior side.

On loan at Granada and Las Palmas, Samper was unable to establish himself as a member of the first-team due to constant injuries. This season too, the youngster has suffered an ankle injury but will be back in action by the end of the week.

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The management has decided to give him another opportunity to impress, by including him in the squad and handing him the No.16 shirt, which was worn by Sergio Busquets before Carles Puyol retired and handed over his No.5 shirt to the La Masia graduate.

This is a good sign, considering that Munir, another La Masia graduate, is being given the opportunity to do well. But this decision is inspired by the failure to sign a target rather than a genuine effort to promote the academy.

Éric Abidal had attempted to sign Adrien Rabiot from Paris Saint-Germain, but the Frenchman has admitted defeat after Nasser Al-Khelaifi threatened legal action over Barça’s pursuit of the 23-year old French international.

Next. Juan Bernat would be a wise signing for Barcelona. dark

Since the squad does not have a proper backup to Sergio Busquets and the club has failed to sign a potential successor in the form of Adrien Rabiot, Ernesto Valverde will have to make do with Sergi Samper, who is injury-prone.