FC Barcelona are unlikely to make any move for Valencia left-back and reported target Jose Gaya in this ongoing January transfer window.
According to Super Deporte, as relayed by Le10Sport, Barcelona are set to abandon their pursuit of Jose Gaya. The Valencia left-back was eyed as a potential long-term replacement for Jordi Alba, but the player’s representatives have denied the advances of the Spanish club at the moment.
Barcelona themselves have not appeared all too keen on following through with their interest in the Valencia star. And amid the financial difficulties brought up by the coronavirus pandemic, a transfer to Catalonia seems very unlikely in this ongoing January transfer window.
The club has already postponed their reported pursuit of other top targets, including Eric Garcia. The La Masia academy graduate was available for a cut-price this month, but the Blaugrana are willing to wait until the end of the season when his contract at Manchester City expires.
The same could apply for Gaya, although the Valencia star’s contract runs until 2023. It seems Barcelona are ready to wait until the summer, when they hope there could be a return to normalcy as far as the footballing world is concerned. The return of fans inside the stadium, a potential increase in TV revenue and advertising could aid the club in its bid to recovery, following a dreadful 2020.
From a sporting perspective, the addition of Gaya does indeed make sense for Barcelona as they prepare for life without Jordi Alba. The Spaniard is already on the wrong side of his 30, and there has been an evident deterioration in his game over the past couple of years.
In addition, Alba’s deputy Junior Firpo has failed to live up to the expectations since joining from Real Betis. AC Milan are already among the clubs, who have come knocking on Barcelona’s door regarding a potential move for the youngster away from the Nou Camp, thus accentuating the need for someone like Gaya.
The Spanish international has been playing at the highest level of football for many years, becoming one of La Liga’s top full-backs. His technical prowess, experience and overall athleticism could be useful for Barcelona in their bid to go through a proper transition in the left-back position.
A chance to become one of the most key first-team players in Barcelona could indeed be an opportunity too hard to ignore. However, it remains to be seen if Barcelona end up reigniting their interest in Gaya anytime in the future. For now, he is set to stay put at Valencia.
