Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly going head-to-head for 26-year-old Spanish international Jose Gaya, valued at €20 million by Valencia.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Real Madrid and Barcelona are vying for the signature of Jose Gaya. The 26-year-old Spanish international is valued at around €20 million by La Liga outfit Valencia.
Jose Gaya is a product of the Valencia youth setup, joining the club’s academy in 2006. After making swift progress through the ranks at the Spanish club, the player made his first-team debut for Los Che in 2012. Since then, he has come a long way, becoming a pivotal figure for club and country.
To date, Gaya has turned out 270 times for Valencia, chipping in with eight goals and 32 assists in the process. His progress has attracted the best clubs in Europe over the years, with Barcelona one of his long-term suitors. And as things stand, Real Madrid and Barcelona are both battling to secure the services of the 26-year-old.
The interest from Barcelona is hardly surprising, considering Jordi Alba is set to enter the final phase of his career. With Alejandro Balde yet to establish a foothold in the first-team setup at Camp Nou, it is understandable why Barcelona would want to pursue a move for Gaya.
On the other hand, Real Madrid are looking to move Marcelo on at the earliest possible instance, with the veteran Brazilian left-back heavily linked with former club Fluminense. While Ferland Mendy seems to have shrugged off his fitness woes, signing another full-back would be a step in the right direction, making Gaya a viable target.
Signing the Valencia captain would not punch a hole in either of Barcelona and Real Madrid’s budgets, with Los Che demanding around €20 million in exchange for his services. However, recent reports have claimed that Gaya intends to stay put at the Mestalla, so prising him away from Valencia will not be an easy task.
Meanwhile, Spain head coach Luis Enrique has advised Gaya to snub Real Madrid and join Barcelona instead, suggesting he would fit in Xavi’s system better than Carlo Ancelotti’s. Despite all the reports, it will be interesting to see if Barcelona and Real Madrid table bids worth around €20 million to test Valencia and Gaya’s resolves.
