Reports | Barcelona target La Liga star Junior Firpo
With Jordi Alba their only left-back, Barcelona have been heavily linked with any and every potential option from Alberto Moreno to Nacho Monreal. However, it seems that the Catalan giants have shortlisted Real Betis star Junior Firpo as their top option, eyeing the 22-year-old.
Despite winning the Supercopa and the La Liga title, Barcelona’s season still did not go according to plan. The humiliating loss to Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals and to Valencia in the final of the Copa Del Rey halted any ideas of a treble that the club had.
Things needed to change and by adding Frenkie de Jong, Neto, and Antoine Griezmann, manager Ernesto Valverde is on the right track. However, they need back-up for Jordi Alba, with the Spaniard playing 54 out of a potential 60 games. He was one of only four players to do this and at the age of 29, he will not be able to do it much longer.
Barcelona need alternatives, and Marca have reported that Junior Firpo is amongst their top targets. Former Atletico Madrid star Filipe Luis had been the top target, but interest in the 34-year-old has since faded, with Firpo taking over the reins.
The Real Betis star will turn 23 in August, which will allow him to provide effective cover for Alba and eventually become his long term replacement. The Catalan giants has been looking for a left-back since losing Lucas Digne and discussions to sign Firpo are currently ongoing. Things might become complicated with Liverpool and even Manchester United in the race, according to reports from the Metro.