Barcelona will reportedly need to fend off competition from Real Betis to sign 27-year-old Spanish left-back Javi Galan from Celta Vigo.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Javi Galan has popped up on the radar of Real Betis over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The La Liga top-four hopefuls will wage a transfer battle with Barcelona in the race to sign the 27-year-old Celta Vigo left-back.
Javi Galan has come into his own since enjoying a breakthrough campaign in La Liga with SD Huesca in 2020/21. While Huesca dropped to the second division, Galan remained in the top flight by joining Celta Vigo last summer. And the Spanish defender has continued to perform at a high level.
The 27-year-old left-back has been a regular for Celta Vigo, turning out 33 times across all competitions while chipping in with three assists. Galan’s exploits have not gone unnoticed, with some of the biggest La Liga clubs, including Barcelona and Real Betis, setting their sights on him.
The interest from Barcelona stems from the advancing years of Jordi Alba, who has shown signs of age catching up with him. With Alejandro Balde yet to settle down in the first-team environs at Camp Nou, Barcelona will need to invest in a left-back who can share game-time with Alba next season.
To that end, Jose Gaya had emerged as the priority target for Barcelona. But the Spanish left-back will likely stay put at Valencia beyond the summer transfer window, prompting Barcelona to set sights on alternate options, with Galan emerging on their radar. However, Barcelona will need to fend off stiff competition from Real Betis to land the 27-year-old.
Real Betis could delve into the market for a left-back in the summer transfer window, as Alex Moreno is attracting interest from several clubs across Europe, including Barcelona. And Galan will be a solid option to replace his compatriot at the Benito Villamarin Stadium.
Also Read: Three potential alternatives to Jose Gaya for Barcelona
Celta Vigo might not charge a premium for Galan despite his heroics this season. But with the competition for his signature increasing by the day, Barcelona and Real Betis could drag the transfer battle deep into the summer transfer window, provided both clubs seriously pursue him.
