Barcelona ready to give young left-back a deserving chance
![Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona B. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona B. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3464a03aa26fa0643279a238c12c7e31a82f9d43b68d89e645f8ea0cae0435ea.jpg)
Ronald Koeman reportedly had his heart set on Valencia’s Jose Gaya for left-back options for the upcoming summer transfer window of 2021. However, it looks like things have turned around. According to fresh reports from Catalunya, it is now understood that the former Everton manager will be giving an opportunity to Alejandro Balde, a Barcelona B left-back rather than moving in for Valencia’s Gaya.
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These very same reports suggest that a full decision has also been taken to let go of Junior Firpo in the next window. The former Real Betis defender was brought into the team in 2019 to provide competition to an ageing Jordi Alba. However, the youngster failed to do so. A lot of hype was built upon the arrival of Firpo and it is not even close to what he put out for results.
Hence, it looks like Koeman has now turned towards the young Alejandro. Valencia’s captain was a huge target for the Catalans for a long time. Due to the delay of the elections, the former Southampton coach could not make a move for the left-back in the January transfer window.
However, as of now, it looks like the Dutchman must work towards bringing young left-back to the first-team. People close to the club claim that Jose Gaya no longer a serious target and that the youngster will be called up to the first team in order to provide competition for Alba.
The young left-back is also favored by the other coaches and staff at Barcelona. Alejandro is understood to have fantastic passing skills and outrageous vision when it comes to crossing. The youngster is also known to be very quick and should be a massive plus point when it comes to playing wideout on the flanks.
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Should Barca promote Alejandro or sign Jose Gaya?