Barcelona are reportedly lining up a summer move for AFC Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico after missing out on his signing in the January transfer window.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona will revisit their interest in AFC Ajax and Argentina left-back Nicolas Tagliafico in the summer transfer window after failing to capture him last month.
Tagliafico has been with Ajax for four years, having arrived from Independiente. The 29-year-old quickly became a regular in the starting XI for the Dutch giants and played a key role in their domestic success over the years. However, he has lost his place in the side this season, with Erik ten Hag preferring to use Daley Blind at left-back.
Tagliafico has started just two Eredivisie matches in the ongoing campaign. As a result, he was keen on securing an exit in the January transfer window. Barcelona were strongly interested in securing his services as they sought cover in the left-back position.
As things stand, the Blaugrana do not have any backup for first-choice left-back Jordi Alba. The veteran himself has had an up and down season thus far, while manager Xavi Hernandez has not trusted youngster Alejandro Balde to step up. Furthermore, the teenage prospect has recently been sidelined with an injury.
Given the situation, the Catalan heavyweights pushed hard to sign Tagliafico in the January transfer window. However, Ajax were unwilling to let the 29-year-old leave, leading to the move collapsing. The Argentine international recently expressed his disappointment over the failed transfer.
However, he might get another shot at moving to Camp Nou later this year as Barcelona are set to rekindle their interest in the left-back in the summer. The Blaugrana have identified Jose Gaya as their primary target to bolster the left-back department. But the Spanish international is holding talks with Valencia over a new contract.
It has led to the Catalans considering other options, with Tagliafico emerging as one of them. A player with vast experience and proven pedigree in European football, the Argentine international can be a shrewd signing for the La Liga bigwigs in the next transfer window.
With Tagliafico entering the final year of his contract, he would also be affordable for Barcelona, who are going through a tough phase financially. What remains to be seen is whether the Blaugrana can pull off the deal in the summer, having missed out on him last month.
