Heading into the new season, Barcelona had just one senior left-back at their disposal in Jordi Alba. Over the summer, the Catalans had been linked with a host of names to strengthen the position and they eventually signed Marcos Alonso on the deadline day.
On top of that, a certain Alejandro Balde is enjoying a breakout campaign at Spotify Camp Nou, leaving the Catalans with as many as three options in the position. And now, Alba has found himself out of the starting XI and behind Balde and Alonso in the pecking order under Xavi.
Despite the riches at the manager’s disposal in the left-back slot, a report from ARA suggests that Barcelona director Mateu Alemany still prefers Valencia captain Jose Gaya and will make a move to sign him should the left-back not sign a new contract with Los Che.
Gaya was one of the players that was heavily linked with Barça over the past year as a competitor and long-term replacement for Alba. However, the club’s financial situation meant that a deal was not pursued.
But, the Valencia captain is in the final year of his contract and is yet to sign an extension, meaning he will become a free agent next summer unless something changes. And Alemany wants to strike at the moment and bring Gaya to Barcelona.
However, the report adds that such a scenario would only materialise if the Blaugrana are successful in getting Alba off their books.
The 33-year-old’s contract with the club runs until 2024, but given his current situation, the veteran defender could be tempted to explore other options, even though he turned down a transfer to Inter Milan late in the summer window.
With Gaya seemingly still very much on Barcelona’s agenda, it will be interesting to see if they do decide to make a move for the Spaniard next summer.
