Barcelona regain interest in €35 million-rated Spanish defender

Mundo Deportivo report that Barcelona are still interested in Valencia full-back Jose Luis Gaya and will move for him soon. The Spanish giants have been interested in the player for a long time now, and the transfer links have been hotly discussed in past windows.

Jordi Alba has been Barcelona’s mainstay at left-back for years now. However, the club has failed to bring in a suitable backup who could compete with the veteran for the spot.

Despite making multiple efforts to sign players from all walks of the game, none of the signings has clicked. The most recent attempt in Junior Firpo did not go any different either.

The former Real Betis player struggled to keep up with the level and style of play at Barcelona. Ultimately, the club was forced to sell him to wade through the economic crisis.

At the moment, the Catalans depend on the B team’s Alejandro Balde as the only like for like replacement for Alba. Nevertheless, the coach does have options in Oscar Mingueza and Sergino Dest to cover the position if the need arises.

Jose Gaya is one of La Liga’s best and most successful full-backs. His consistency has made him a regular in Luis Enrique’s team, too, competing with Alba himself.

Though it would be difficult to manage two big names for one position, the transfer would give the side incredible depth in the left-back department.

Gaya’s contract with Valencia expires in 2023. If it is not renewed, the club will look to sell him, and Barcelona seems like a very likely destination.

Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.