4 players scouted by Barcelona to replace Jordi Alba
Barcelona are in the market for a left-back to be the long-term successor to Jordi Alba. The current technical director, Ramon Planes, along with the three presidential candidates, have expressed their desire to sell Junior Firpo and bring in a new replacement.
Firpo has had a difficult time at the Nou Camp with the 24-year-old now being linked with an exit after failing to successfully play as a backup to Alba. The Spanish giants are now in the market to scout all potential candidates for the spot, with the lead position being taken by Valencia C. F. captain, Jose Gaya.
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Gaya is the most natural heir to Alba as he has already had a successful time taking over his fellow Spaniard for Luis Enrique’s Spanish national team. The 25-year-old has a contract with Valencia until 2023 but the management of the Spanish side are known for selling all their talents as part of a major recovering project to sustain their bad economic situation.
After selling heavily during the last summer transfer window, the Spanish side lead by owner, Peter Lim, are rumoured to be willing to sell Gaya for a fee close to 15 million euros. While the economic situation at Barca might make it difficult to raise 15m, the club’s technical director is closely investigating all possibilities.
Another candidate on the technical director’s list is Chelsea outcast Marcos Alonso. The 30-year-old will definitely serve as a short-term solution for Alba but was in the conversation after being sidelined by former coach, Frank Lampard. Despite having a contract until 2023, Barca were considering Marcos as an option in case Firpo left in January amid interest from Milan.
But with Barca yet to elect a president, Junior will be staying at the Nou Camp a little longer, with Alonso now also set to have another shot in the Chelsea shirt under the newly appointed coach, Thomas Tuchel.
Barcelona options if both Gaya and Alonso deal fails.
Additional to Gaya and Alonso, Barca management is also monitoring PSG defender, Juan Bernat. The 27-year-old has six-months remaining in his contract and the Catalans are looking to secure him on a free transfer as they admire his vast experience having played with Valencia and Bayern Munich prior to his time with the French champions.
The final candidate for the spot is 17-year-old Barca youngster, Alejandro Balde. The left-back has been dreaming of becoming the long-term defender for the first-team and while he is still young, he has already started for the ‘B’ squad seven times and looks to breakthrough soon.
Next. 5 defenders Barcelona should target in the 2021 summer transfer window. dark
Which of these players would you like to see as Alba’s heir at Camp Nou?