Barcelona have reportedly decided to shift their attention back to Valencia star Dani Parejo after failure in their pursuit to sign other preferred targets.
According to Spanish publication Sport, Barcelona are set to pursue Dani Parejo once again. The Catalans have been foiled in their bid to sign their preferred targets. And it seems, the club will now focus their attention back to the Valencia star, who was one of the names linked during the summer.
Barcelona plotted a late late bid – late as per the English transfer window – to prise Paul Pogba away from Manchester United. But, the Red Devils swiftly rejected the offer, with the English giants not having enough time to sign a replacement while also being reluctant to let go of the World Cup winning superstar.
The pursuits of Frenkie De Jong and Adrien Rabiot seem to have stalled as well. The former is likely to be a realistic target for the summer of 2019, with the player himself stating that he will be staying at Ajax for a season. This has brought them back to Dani Parejo.
Dani Parejo has been able to build a respectable career for himself after emanating from the Real Madrid youth setup. The player truly realised his potential and developed into the player he is today upon completing a move to Valencia in 2011.
Now the captain at Mestalla, Dani Parejo has overseen a difficult phase for Valencia before Marcelino brought the club back to it’s old pedestal. But, the club will likely be wary of the interest in Dani Parejo, which has seen Valencia reinforce the central midfield area as a priority during the summer.
Geoffrey Kondogbia, Daniel Wass and Uros Racic have arrived to beef up the midfield amidst an air of expectancy that Dani Parejo will be subject to a bid in the coming days.
As far as Barcelona are concerned, the addition of a cultured midfielder like Dani Parejo among their ranks would bode well, especially if Ivan Rakitic ends up leaving. The 29-year-old has a release clause of €50 million, a figure Valencia will be happy to rake in, with Parejo having only two years left on his contract.
According to the report, Dani Parejo is interested in a move to Barcelona. And while he might not push for a transfer, considering the love he has for Valencia and the fans, should Barcelona come in with an offer in or around the release clause, we will likely see the 29-year-old leave.
It all depends on whether Ernesto Valverde and the Barcelona board feel another midfielder is necessary, especially after Arturo Vidal has signed for the club. Dani Parejo does seem to be a realistic and ideal solution, should the answer be in the affirmative.
