Even as the recent summer transfer window came to a close last week, Barcelona is reportedly already shortlisting targets for next year.
For one, Barcelona is looking to revamp its left-back depth.
As noted by the Spanish-based outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona is showing an early intrigue in signing current Spanish and Valencia left-back Jose Luis Gaya on a permanent transfer deal in 2022.
Gaya is currently facing a dilemma with Valencia regarding his long-term future at the club. The Spanish international has two more years remaining on the five-year extension deal that he signed with the club in 2018.
Valencia is well interested in extending Gaya's stay at the club, but for the moment, the two sides are not close on such an agreement.
In the case that Gaya elects not to engage in talks for a new deal, Valencia club officials would then be open to parting ways with him next year rather than having to face the possibility of losing him on a free transfer in 2023.
As mentioned, Valencia already has one interested club for Gaya: Barcelona.
Following the departure of Junior Firpo to Premier League side Leeds United, Jordi Alba is now the lone left-back on Barca's roster. However, Barca manager Ronald Koeman does have the likes of Sergino Dest, Oscar Mingueza and prospect Alejandro Balde as emergency options at the position for this season.
In the big picture, Alba has not shown any signs that his prime days are well behind him. The Spanish talent notched five assists in La Liga play last season and has already recorded one league assist this season with the keen dish during Barca’s key home win over Getafe.
Alba will continue to feature as Barca’s main left-back option this season, but his long-term replacement could soon arrive at the club.
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