Four players Barcelona could sign to replace exit-bound veteran star in the summer – report

Alejandro Balde’s injury forced Barcelona to reconsider their transfer plans for January. Given the fact that the 20-year-old would miss the rest of the season, the team from Catalonia did want to bring reinforcement but tight finances did not let it happen.

Interestingly enough, the Blaugrana made a list of potential candidates, namely, Las Palmas’ Sergi Cardona, PAOK’s Jonny Otto, Pervis Estupinan of Brighton, and Lyon’s Nicolas Tagliafico, but no move ever materialised in January.

Despite that, though, a report from SPORT has emerged that if a certain Marcos Alonso leaves at the end of the season, the management will consider these names over the summer.

Options are financially accessible 

Among the aforementioned names, it is to be noted that Cardona remains the most viable option for Barcelona given that he ends his current deal with Las Palmas at the end of the season.

Furthermore, the fact that he briefly trained at Barcelona’s youth academy could also work in the favour of this deal.

Jonny, on the other hand, left for Greece from Wolves last month and regardless of his current contract, he remains financially accessible for the team.

Nicolas Tagliafico is being considered by Barcelona (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Estupinan might be an unfeasible option considering that he has a contract with Brighton & Hove Albion until 2027.

Lastly, Tagliafico has been on Barcelona’s agenda since his Ajax days and now would be a good time for them to finally make a move.

Alonso’s future will determine a new left-back

Marcos Alonso’s situation is unique at Barcelona. Last year, he was important for the team both as a left-back and a left-footed centre back. This time out, though, he hasn’t played much.

The arrival of Inigo Martínez has reduced his playing time, and now he’s dealing with a back injury.

With Alonso’s contract expiring at the end of the season, he is widely expected to leave as a free agent, especially with his wages being on the higher side.

As such, Barcelona will be searching for a left-back at no or low cost for the next season, either through a free transfer or a loan, meaning that the management now has a big task at their hands.