Barcelona defender Aleix Vidal could be bound for the Premier League, with his agent locked in talks with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool among others.
According to Spanish publication Estadio Deportivo, Aleix Vidal could finally be putting an end to what has been a miserable Barcelona stint so far. The Barcelona defender’s agent is in talks with Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City and Everton over a potential move in the January transfer window.
Aleix Vidal was brought in amidst much hope in order to be the successor to Dani Alves, who departed for Juventus. But, the player’s career has been mired with off-field issues and inconsistent displays on it, leading to Barcelona converting Sergi Roberto into a right-back while also signing Nelson Semedo in the summer of 2017 to secure the right side of the defence.
That the player is not a regular fixture at Barcelona is well-established. But, under Ernesto Valverde, he has started gaining some minutes under his belt while also showing promise in some of his appearances. And it is this promise that has lead to interest from the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.
At Manchester United, the right side of the defence has long been dominated by the presence of Antonio Valencia, who once again showed his quality with a thunderous goal in their 3-0 win over Stoke on Monday. And while the Ecuadorian has become a dangerous quantity at right-back for United, there aren’t many other quality options apart from the 32-year-old.
Barcelona right-back, Aleix Vidal has his agent in England for potential talks with Liverpool, according to reports in Spain. pic.twitter.com/t5pIaaoJbe
— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) January 16, 2018
Manchester United need to lay down a succession plan for Valencia. But, Aleix Vidal could serve as a medium-term replacement for the marauding Latin American. Similar in their nature – both are equally aggressive and attack-minded – the Barcelona defender might be able to turn a new leaf at Old Trafford.
Liverpool could have had a crisis at right-back, especially after Nathaniel Clyne succumbed to a long-term injury. But, the timely rise of Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold has mitigated the immediate need for reinforcement. However, a player of Aleix Vidal’s quality could really boost the Reds’ march towards the top three in the Premier League.
One tiny point of concern in the entire pursuit will be Vidal’s ineligibility to take the field for either Liverpool or Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League, having already played 62 minutes in the competition for Barcelona in the group stage this season.
In the grander scheme of things, Manchester United have more of a dearth of quality options at right-back compared to Liverpool, especially if Jose Mourinho decides to let Timothy Fosu-Mensah stay put at Crystal Palace for the rest of the campaign.
Vidal’s agent is already in talks with both the clubs, including Everton and Manchester City as well. With the closure of the transfer window less than half-a month away, we should expect a quick resolution. It could entirely depend on Valverde’s view on whether Aleix Vidal’s departure would affect his squad for the remainder of the campaign.
