Jordi Alba’s role as Barcelona’s unassailable left-back might take a hit if the Blaugrana somehow manage to bring in a new full-back in the ongoing transfer market.
Writing for Spanish news outlet Diario AS, journalist Javier Miguel has said that even if a new left-back arrives, Barcelona will try to give a certain Alejandro Balde minutes in a long and intense season which will have a brief halt during December due to the World Cup in Qatar.
The teenager got his first start of the season yesterday against Real Sociedad, and even racked up the assist for Robert Lewandowski’s first goal.
Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso remains a priority, there are reports that Barcelona might as well cool down the interest for two primary reasons. First, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s move to Chelsea is in jeopardy and Alonso was expected to be a part of the package.
Second, Barcelona have said to be found a cheaper alternative in Celta Vigo’s Javi Galan. As reported before, the 27-year-old has a released clause of €18 million, but Barcelona expect the deal could go through for a mere €9 million.
On top of that, there are claims that Galan, himself, would have no problem in moving to Camp Nou in the first place. Furthermore, the 27-year-old would even accept a lower salary than what has been offered to Alonso.
And this argument is highly valued within the club as the figure quoted for Galan is €4 million a year. Taking into account the mentioned numbers, it will be relatively easy for Barcelona to ‘lighten the wage bill and register players’.
For that, however, they still need to sanction a few sales (Aubameyang, Memphis Depay, Sergino Dest, Martin Braithwaite, Samuel Umtiti).
In case Barcelona manage to bring on a new left-back, Jordi Alba may lose his spot due to excessive competition. In that regard, Alejandro Balde could climb up the ladder as Xavi wants the youngster to continue in the dynamics of the first team.
Furthermore, in case of any injuries or excessive fatigue due to the World Cup, the manager will have a third left-back ready to step up.