Valencia captain Dani Parejo has reportedly emerged as an alternative for Barcelona, should they fail to land other preferred targets to reinforce the midfield.
Spanish publication AS are speculating that Barcelona are set to reignite their interest in Dani Parejo. The former Real Madrid playmaker, who is currently the captain for fellow La Liga side Valencia, has been on the radar of the Catalan giants earlier as well.
Barcelona’s need for reinforcements in midfield has been well documented throughout the course of the current transfer window thus far. The La Liga champions have seen Andres Iniesta depart and while Arthur has joined, the likes of Ivan Rakitic, Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes are subject to speculation as to their future at Barcelona.
The Catalan giants seem to be focusing on Adrien Rabiot and Frenkie De Jong. But, in case they do fail to land their preferred choice of midfielders, Ernesto Valverde has a fallback option in Dani Parejo. The Barcelona manager is thought to admire the Spaniard and his skillset.
Dani Parejo emerged from the Real Madrid academy setup. But, the playmaker never managed to establish himself at the Bernabeu. He moved to Getafe on a permanent basis. But, it is at Valencia that the player has started living up to the billing.
Seven seasons at the Mestalla, Dani Parejo is a name that has been synonymous with Valencia and their fan base. The loved figure is the club captain and has seen the club through thick and thin before their renaissance under Marcelino Garcia Toral. The former Real Madrid star finished the 2017-18 campaign with 8 goals and 10 assists and was one of the standout performers in La Liga.
With 280 appearances in La Liga, Parejo’s experience could add another layer to what is currently an inexperienced midfield at Barcelona, especially if Ivan Rakitic ends up leaving this summer. The 29-year-old has a €50 million release clause embedded in his contract, which is cheap by the current standards of the transfer market.
The former Real Madrid star wants an improved contract at Valencia. And there is a general air of expectancy that the 29-year-old will stay put if provided an improved deal. Barcelona though, will keep tracking Parejo and the developments as regard the need for a new contract.
Should Barcelona fail to land Frenkie De Jong or Adrien Rabiot within the next few weeks, we might just see the Catalans moving for the 29-year-old former Real Madrid star.
