Barcelona have had a left-back problem for quite a while now. Their main option Jordi Alba has already turned 32 years of age and looks to be nearing the end of his journey at the club. His performances have regressed over the years, having inconsistent performances in crucial matches, but that’s pretty natural given his age. He was a very important player to a fantastic and dangerous Barcelona and Spain squad during his peak years, but it is no doubt that the Catalan side needs to find a replacement.
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The Blaugranas did try to sign a replacement for the left-back in Junior Firpo. The former Real Betis defender was signed for a good amount of money and he arrived at the Nou Camp with a lot of expectations. However, he failed to live up to his potential. Unreliable performances and regular injuries including lack of form led to the player being considered as a flop signing by the fans and the coaching staff.
Hence this summer, the club president, Joan Laporta, will be going for yet another left-back who can properly replace Jordi Alba, and provide him some competition. Here are a few players that may be a suitable replacement for the former Valencia defender:
Jose Gaya ( Age: 25 | Club: Valencia CF)
The 25-year-old Spaniard has a lot to offer to Barca, especially after being considered a natural replacement for Alba in the Spanish national team. While his contract with Valencia expires in 2023, the Spanish side have recently revealed intentions of selling the club captain. Valencia have a massive financial problem at the club which led them to sell some of their major players at a very cheap price. For example, their former young winger Ferran Torres was sold to Manchester City for just around 20 million pounds. Given his potential, he would have easily been sold for a lot more money.
Valencia are likely to sell Gaya in this summer transfer window and the player is confirmed to be nearing an exit. He can be a perfect replacement for Jordi Alba, as he comes from the same steps as the Barcelona man. His technique on the ball is fantastic. From overlapping runs to putting in crosses into the box, Jose Gaya might just be the perfect solution to Ronald Koeman’s problems at left-back.
Alejandro Balde Martinez ( Age: 17 | Club: Barcelona B)
17-year-old Alejandro Balde is one of the most promising youngsters in the La Masia as of now. The youngster was originally a centre-forward but then with proper coaching, it was understood that he would make a better fit in the left-back position. Balde is currently just 17 years old and he can be called up to the first squad if he does continue to impress.
His movement on and off the ball is simply exquisite for such a young player. He can be yet another option right from the academy for the Dutch coach. The former Southampton coach seems very supportive towards the young talents at the Nou Camp currently and maybe Alejandro Balde can be another of them from the very next season.
Alejandro Grimaldo ( Age: 25 | Club: S.L. Benfica)
The former Barcelona youngster had been performing consistently at Benfica. The Portuguese international is currently 25 years old and can be a fantastic replacement to Jordi Alba. The player already has a ton of experience at the Nou Camp from when he was younger. Grimaldo is not just fantastic going forward but also when it comes to defending, the Portuguese is stable and solid. Modern football demands more attacking qualities from fullbacks but it is equally important to have defensive capabilities and Grimaldo offers both. A summer move to bring Grimaldo back to the Nou Camp might be a reliable and long-term solution for the club.
Hence, these are a few left-back options for Barcelona and Ronald Koeman to sign in the upcoming summer transfer window of 2021.