Barcelona: Josep Maria Bartomeu is all talk and no action
The Barcelona president spoke about contract negotiations with Jordi Alba
The situation regarding contract negotiations with Jordi Alba is far from resolved. The Spanish left-back’s contract expires in 2020, and Barcelona are nowhere close to getting him to sign a new deal. With the likes of Juventus circling in, the club is wading in dangerous waters.
Barça president Josep Maria Bartomeu has told Alba that he wants the Spain international to continue at the club for five more years. Yet, negotiations are at a standstill, and have been for quite some time. Like his predecessor, Éric Abidal has been unable to reach a consensus with Alba.
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When asked about it, Jordi Alba frequents expresses surprise at the club’s laxity in the handling of contract talks. It is almost as if Barça want Alba to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires. If not, Josep Maria Bartomeu should walk the talk, and seal the deal as fast as possible.
In the summer, clubs like Manchester United and Juventus will probably contact the club over a potential transfer. With their financial might, the bid will be considerable. Barça will also find it very hard to reject a good offer for a player who is going to leave for free at the end of the season.
In order to prevent such a situation, the club should compromise on finances and give in to Alba’s demands. He is one of the most important players in the first-team, and his connection with Lionel Messi is unique and invaluable. That cannot be sacrificed in a vain attempt to be frugal.
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So, Bartomeu should get into action and back up his tall statements with some activities on the ground.