La Liga champions Barcelona have placed Nacho Monreal and Alberto Moreno on a three-man transfer shortlist in their search for a backup to first team left-back Jordi Alba. The two former Spain internationals have fallen out of favour with their respective sides but will be available to move on free transfers at the end of the season as their contracts draw to a close.
As Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde now wants to add some depth to the left back position, Sport claim that both Monreal and Moreno are being eyed up by the Catalan giants ahead of the summer transfer window. Atlético Madrid’s Filipe Luís is also being considered, and as the club are only looking at veteran players, any potential left-back signing will only be offered a two-year contract by Barcelona.
The club’s pursuit of Arsenal defender Monreal and Liverpool’s Moreno largely rests with the future of two graduates from their academy, La Masia. Marc Cucurella, who is currently on loan with SD Eibar, is being targeted by the likes of Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and a handful of clubs in La Liga following his impressive spell at the Ipurua Municipal.
Their current option is teenager Juan Miranda, and although Barcelona do believe that he could be one for their future, they understand the Spain Under-19 international needs to get game time away from the Camp Nou. Miranda is being linked with a permanent move back to his former side Real Betis as a direct replacement for Real Madrid target Junior Firpo.
Spanish full back Jordi Alba has signed a new long-term contract at Barcelona, keeping him at Camp Nou until 2024, the Spanish champions have confirmed. The 29-year-old Spain international has committed to a new deal which will see him remain with the Catalan side until 2024 despite interest from top european clubs including Real Madrid and Manchester United.
“Barcelona and Jordi Alba have reached an agreement to renew his contract for the next five seasons, until June 30, 2024. The buyout clause is set at €500M,” a statement read. “Over the course of the next few days, we will announce when the official signing of the new contract will be held.
Alba signed for Barca from Valencia in 2012 and has made 282 appearances across all competitions, winning four league titles, four Copa del Rey trophies and one Champions League during his time at the club. The 29-year-old has scored 14 goals for the Blaugrana, while his link-up with Lionel Messi has proved particularly fruitful. Over the course of their time playing together, Alba has supplied Messi with 20 assists.