Celta Vigo have reportedly set a price for Spanish left-back Javi Galan amid interest from Barcelona, who view him as an alternative to Marcos Alonso.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Celta Vigo will only part ways with left-back Javi Galan if the player’s release clause of €18 million is activated. Barcelona are said to be showing interest in the defender as a new competitor for Jordi Alba.
The Blaugrana are keen on adding defensive reinforcements and are searching for a central defender and two full-backs. Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is believed to be high on their wishlist, while the Chelsea duo of Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are being considered by Barcelona for the wide roles.
But the Catalan giants are aware that the Blues could decide against allowing the two Spanish full-backs to move to Barcelona, and are thus eager to line up a replacement quickly. Barcelona and Chelsea are currently involved in a transfer tussle for Kounde, with the Blaugrana recently emerging as the favourites.
As far as Galan is concerned, the 27-year-old joined Celta Vigo last year and still has four years left on his contract with the Galician club. Xavi, however, is an admirer of the Spanish full-back and has urged the Barcelona board to explore the possibility of signing him this summer.
Celta Vigo do not want to part ways with the player just a year after signing him, leaving the activation of his release clause, worth €18 million, as the only option for him to leave. The Spaniard is said to be aware of Barcelona’s interest but does not want to force a move away yet.
At 27 years of age, Galan thinks this could be the best time to take the next step in his career. On the other hand, he also wants Celta Vigo to benefit as much as possible from his potential €18 million sale and is thus ready to let the saga take its course without forcing an exit.
There were reports that Barcelona might be exploring a player-plus-cash deal, but Celta are not keen on having any of the players being pitched. Martin Brathwaite and Riqui Puig were the players suggested, but they are of no interest to the Galician club. Sevilla have also shown interest in signing the Celta Vigo left-back this summer.
