AS Roma are reportedly set to make a move for Aleix Vidal in the January transfer window, with Sevilla also keen on signing the Barcelona outcast.
According to a report by Spanish publication Sport, AS Roma have set their sights on Aleix Vidal. The Serie A outfit’s Sporting Director Monchi is eyeing a reunion with the Barcelona man, having signed him at Sevilla, who are also interested in signing the Spaniard.
Vidal has been a journeyman ever since his youth football days, having represented 13 different clubs so far in his career. His most productive stint was at Almeria, where the Spaniard enjoyed three fruitful campaigns before Sevilla, and subsequently Barcelona signed him.
At Camp Nou, Vidal had to wait for six months before making his debut due to their FIFA imposed ban. The last couple of years, though, have been a big struggle for the 28-year-old, having only been a bit-part player, racking up a mere 33 appearances for the Blaugrana.
SPORT:
Roma’s sporting director, Monchi, is interested in bringing Aleix Vidal to Rome. Several other European clubs have also been monitoring the Spaniard’s situation. If he does go to Rome, it would be on loan with a purchase option. pic.twitter.com/d0tJqQ5VrB— ᵁᴸᵀᴿᴬ® (@UltraAutistic) November 13, 2017
Things haven’t improved much since the arrival of Ernesto Valverde, who only seems to consider Vidal as a backup option in defence and attack. While Sergi Roberto’s long-term injury could elevate his status in the weeks to come, both the player and Barcelona are eager to end the marriage, sooner rather than later.
The report suggests that several clubs are in pursuit of the out-of-favour Spaniard, the latest being AS Roma. The Giallorossi’s Sporting Director Monchi knows Vidal very well, having signed him at Sevilla in 2014, and is now keen on a reunion at Stadio Olimpico.
The Spaniard could be a useful option in attack for the Serie A outfit, with Eusebio Di Francesco making heavy rotations on the right wing thus far. And while Vidal would be ineligible to play in Europe, his addition could prove to be valuable in Roma’s Serie A campaign in the second half of the season.
Meanwhile, Sevilla are also keen on bringing Vidal back to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, although they are unlikely to make an offer for a permanent move in January. Roma, too, are interested in initially signing the player on loan, with an option to buy him next summer.
Barcelona, though, would prefer to get Vidal completely off their books. Meanwhile, the player is not too keen on moving abroad, handing Sevilla a distinct advantage, if they choose to go for a permanent move in January. It now remains to be seen if Vidal ends his Barcelona travails in January, or ends up staying till next summer.
