Barcelona keeping tabs on former La Masia defender, player available for free

For the first time in a decade, Jordi Alba’s was displaced from the left-back spot at Barcelona last season as Alejandro Balde’s meteoric rise through pre-season saw him take the starting position under Xavi.

The Spaniard had an incredible breakthrough season, playing 33 games in the league, while assisting six goals and scoring one himself.

Balde was also nominated for the Golden Boy award following this incredible season, and is one of the best players in his position right now.

His starting position in the team is pretty much uncontested right now, with Marcos Alonso far from a reliable backup. However, that might change soon.

Enter Juan Miranda?

According to a report by SPORT, Barcelona are keeping tabs on Juan Miranda’s situation at Real Betis.

The Spaniard becomes a free agent in the summer, and has not renewed his contract with Manuel Pellegrini’s side so far, and could leave on a Bosman move come the summer transfer window.

Miranda meets the requirements for Barcelona’s criteria at left-back, and could serve as a quality second-fiddle option to Balde, and could even push to improve the teenager, especially with his final delivery.

Barcelona looking for control, Milan interested

Barcelona currently have 50% image rights for Miranda, and will retain it should he renew his contract with Real Betis.

If he does not, Barça could enter the race to sign him as a free agent, and could either sell him for a profit, or keep him in the squad as a backup for Balde.

However, they face competition from AC Milan, who are also looking to sign Miranda as a backup for Theo Hernandez on a free transfer.

Either way, Barcelona could move forward with Miranda’s signing in December if Betis do not manage to convince him to renew.