Barcelona left-back target ‘very close’ to renewing contract with La Liga club – report

Jose Gaya has been a target for Barcelona for a long time now. The 27-year-old has been on the Blaugrana’s radar as the long-term heir to Jordi Alba in the left-back position and links have persisted for a number of transfer windows without a move actually materialising.

It was the same case this past summer as well, as the Catalans were again linked heavily with Gaya, but ultimately it did not lead to anything and the club brought in Marcos Alonso instead.

However, recent reports have been indicating that Gaya remains a subject of interest in the Barcelona offices. Director Mateu Alemany, in particular, is a huge admirer of the Spanish international and is said to be intent on bringing the Valencia man to Spotify Camp Nou.

With Gaya’s current contract with Los Che expiring next year, there would have been a possibility of a Bosman move, in case Barça opted to move on from Alba, who has dropped down the pecking order at the club.

However, according to journalist Alex Silvestre, Gaya is currently ‘very close’ to signing a new contract with Valencia, which would pretty much end Barcelona’s hopes of landing him on a free transfer in 2023.

The 27-year-old has spent his entire career at the Mestalla Stadium and has made close to 300 appearances, while he is also the club captain.

And it seems like Gaya has chosen to continue at Valencia for a few more years and is likely to sign a new contract imminently as per the aforementioned update from Alex Silvestre.

Gaya would have been a top acquisition for Barcelona given that he was in the prime of his career and is a vastly experienced player. But, missing out on him might not be considered a blow, thanks to the emergence of a certain Alejandro Balde.

The 18-year-old is enjoying a stunning breakthrough campaign and is currently ahead of Alba and Marcos Alonso in the order of preference at Barcelona. With Xavi backing the youngster and there being two veteran options for cover, the Catalans do not necessarily need Gaya’s services.