Barcelona are in the market for a backup left-back that can support Jordi Alba next season with Ecuadorian youngster named favorite.
Jordi Alba has been a crucial part of Barcelona ever since his arrival in 2012, establishing himself as one of the best left-backs in the world.
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The Spaniard, however, has shown signs of fatigue and mental weakness, clearly evident in Barca’s historic defeat against Liverpool. The Catalan side have tried to bring reinforcements to give support to the 31-year-old with the likes of Junior Firpo and Nelson Semedo, all failing to live up to the expectations.
With the current state of the transfer market and the economic crisis at Barca, the club cannot afford an established left-back to be the long term successor to Alba. The Spanish side, however, are keen on signing a cheap and short-term solution to this problem.
Ecuadorian, Pervis Estupiñán, is the favorite according to Diario de Navarra (via Sport). Currently loaned to Osasuna from the English side, Watford, the 22-year-old has been in high demand this summer.
Both Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are keeping a close eye on the talented left-back. Osasuna signed a two-year loan deal with Watford that has a year remaining, but the Premier League side are contemplating using the recall option for the summer.
The report claims that Barca are willing to pay 10 million euros for the youngster. The Catalans are planning to secure the defender in the next transfer window and immediately loaning him out for a season.
The suggestion has been made by boss Quique Setien himself as he hopes to provide Jordi Alba some competition to reignite his motivation to succeed along with providing the Spaniard the rest he needs throughout the season.
Junior Firpo is linked with a move this summer which leaves no back-up for Alba in the upcoming season making this a priority signing as the other alternative of using right-back Nelson Semedo is also tipped to secure a move away from the Nou Camp.
Can Pervis Estupiñán be the solution Barca needs?