Barcelona are reportedly considering AFC Ajax star Nicolas Tagliafico as a potential alternative for primary left-back target and Valencia captain Jose Gaya.
According to a report from Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are lining up AFC Ajax’s Argentine international Nicolas Tagliafico as an alternative if their pursuit of Valencia captain Jose Gaya fails.
Tagliafico has been with Ajax since January 2018, having arrived from Argentine outfit Independiente. The 28-year-old has grown into a key player for the Dutch heavyweights since, racking up 139 appearances in which he has scored 13 goals and set up 19 more, winning two Eredivisie titles in the process. He featured 40 times in the 2020/21 season in all competitions, netting one time and creating four goals for his teammates.
Tagliafico’s impressive displays with Ajax haven’t gone unnoticed with the Argentine international having recently been linked with a move to Manchester United. And now, Barcelona, too, have emerged as potential suitors for the 28-year-old ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
Barcelona have already been quite active in the transfer market, having made three new signings. However, the transfer business is far from being completed at Camp Nou with more incomings and quite a few outgoings expected. One position that the Catalans are looking to strengthen the squad is at left-back wherein the club sees no future for Junior Firpo.
The former Real Betis star is expected to be on his way out of the club this summer, which would leave Jordi Alba as the only left-back at Ronald Koeman’s disposal. This has led to Barcelona identifying Jose Gaya of Valencia as their top transfer target for the left-sided full-back slot. However, newly-appointed Valencia manager Jose Bordalas is keen on holding on to the Spanish international.
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In addition, Los Che are likely to demand a transfer fee of around €40 million for Gaya, which Barcelona are not in a position to meet. So, it is being claimed that they will try to negotiate a lower fee or offer a player in exchange. But, in case a move falls through, the Blaugrana will turn their focus towards Tagliafico.
The 28-year-old, who still has two years left on his contract with Ajax, is said to be keen on leaving the club this summer. This does offer a boost to Barcelona in pursuit of the Argentine. It now remains to be seen if they do decide to press ahead in their attempts to land Gaya or switch attention completely on Tagliafico.
