La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly tracking the situation of 27-year-old Spanish international Jose Gaya closely at Valencia CF.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Jose Gaya is the subject of interest from Barcelona over a possible Bosman move in the 2023 summer transfer window. The 27-year-old full-back has entered the final year of his contract with Valencia, with the two clubs yet to reach an agreement over a new deal.
Jose Gaya has established himself as one of the best full-backs in Spain since graduating to the first-team setup at the Mestalla nearly a decade ago. The Spanish international has seen his stock skyrocket during this period, becoming a regular for La Roja while also becoming the club captain for Valencia a couple of years ago.
The 27-year-old has turned out nearly 300 times thus far for Valencia, chipping in with eight goals and 37 assists. But Gaya has entered the final year of his contract, leaving Los Che in a spot of bother over his long-term future. And such a situation has captured the attention of Barcelona.
The Catalan giants hold a long-standing interest in Gaya, even pursuing him this past summer before turning their attention to Marcos Alonso. But Alonso has only signed a one-year contract with Barcelona, although reports have claimed that the Spanish international will likely sign a new deal before his current one runs out.
However, with Jordi Alba showing adverse effects of advancing age and falling down the pecking order at Camp Nou, Barcelona might need to be wary of possibly losing two players. Signing a left-back has thus emerged as a priority, with Alejandro Grimaldo also on Barcelona’s radar.
Gaya is also a viable target for Barcelona, considering he is well settled in La Liga while being one of the best full-backs in Europe. The 27-year-old will also bring leadership qualities to the table, further making him an appealing option for Xavi Hernandez.
With Gaya yet to sign a new contract, Barcelona might have the chance to sign him for free next summer. That also makes him an enticing target, and it will be interesting to see if the 27-year-old Spanish international moves to Barcelona in 2023.