Lionel Messi demands the Barcelona board to sign his compatriot from Ajax to reinforce the left flank of the club.
Lionel Messi continues to urge the Barcelona board to sign a stable left-back. The Argentine captain has fallen out on numerous occasions with Junior Firpo due to his poor performances and childlike tantrums.
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Several players including Junior Firpo’s admirer Quique Setien lost all their patience with the 23-year old left-back after he decided to take part in go-karting one day before their clash against Napoli. The former Betico man played with tape wrapped around after his hand during the Champions League clash against Napoli after he sustained minor injuries on his arm.
Although Lionel Messi is adamant about the departure of the Hispanic Dominican, the left-back, however, has no intention of leaving. Unfortunately, Firpo will be forced and has already been put on the transfer list by the board.
Jordi Alba is already 31 years old and the Spanish pacey left-back sustained suffered a massive setback this season after he injured his right adductor against Getafe. The Spanish right-back returned to play against Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu and he struggled to run down the wing throughout the game. It seems like an age has caught up with Jordi Alba and his recent injury may hamper his continuity as top-level professional.
Barcelona has two options, either they bring back Marc Cucurella who has been expectational this season at Getafe or the club give in to Lionel Messi’s demands and sign his compatriot from Ajax. Given the current circumstances, Nicolas Tagliafico would not be an immense task for the Catalan board to pull off, as Don Balon claims that Ajax has agreed to let their Argentine go for 25 million euros.
Although Marc Cucurella would be a cheaper alternative, the former Barcelona man lacks the experience that Nicolas Tagliafico has. The Argentine has an aggressive style of play, something that Barcelona’s defence really lacks. The player is also well known to throw himself in for duels without any fear and is exceptional at attacking as well due to his clever inverted runs down the wing.
The Ajax star would settle well in the Camp Nou as he would definitely get along with his former teammate Frenkie de Jong and his national team captain Lionel Messi. The 27-year-old would also be able to deal with the pressure at the Camp Nou due to his years of experience.
It is now in the hands of Josep Maria Bartomeu to accept Lionel Messi’s demand.