Barcelona take call on priority signing for left-back spot

Barcelona have finally decided on a priority target for the left-back spot

The lack of a backup to Jordi Alba has caused some problems for Ernesto Valverde recently. Barcelona have a very poor record without the Spanish left-back, with the Basque coach deciding against calling up Juan Miranda to the first-team as a replacement for Lucas Digne.

This issue is sure to be rectified by the management in the summer transfer window. Barça have been following many left-backs, and have many options. Notable among them are Lyon’s Ferland Mendy and Rayo Vallecano’s Álex Moreno.

But now, Barça have decided on the priority, which will be Atlético Madrid’s Filipe Luís. The 33-year old Brazil international is in the twilight of his career at the top, but is very experienced. Luís has made a total of 373 appearances in Spanish domestic competitions.

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He could have joined Barça in 2009, but the club cancelled negotiations due to the high demands of Deportivo president Augusto César Lendoiro. Instead, Maxwell was brought in from Inter Milan. But now, Filipe Luís could join Barça on a free transfer when his contract expires.

Luís’ signing would the ideal one, since it would give Juan Miranda time to grow as a player. When the time comes, Luís would leave for greener pastures while Miranda would receive his long-awaited promotion. In this way, the left-back spot could be occupied by a La Masia graduate.

Filipe Luís could even compete with Jordi Alba for a spot in the first-team, due to his attacking prowess. In his career, he has netted 20 goals and provided 39 assists, which is quite impressive. Having praised some of Barça’s stars, he would fit in at the Camp Nou well.