Shortly after Sergio Busquets expressed his wish to leave the club at the conclusion of the season, Barcelona spoke with the agents of another veteran player, Jordi Alba, to discuss the possibility of a mutually agreed contract termination this summer. Due to past late payments, Barcelona could owe Alba up to €38 million next season. The club is unable to pay such a high fee, prompting them to consider selling Alba in the summer.
Barcelona eye Hugo Guillamon and Pau Torres
However, as Helena Condis pointed out, Alba’s future was not the only subject on Barcelona’s mind. Other players, including Hugo Guillamon and Pau Torres, appear to have been discussed by club authorities. Both defenders are represented by the same agency as Alba, allowing Barcelona to speak with them about their future and the prospect of integrating them into the first squad in the future. Torres and Guillamon enter the action at this point. Both have extensive experience in Spanish football. They have recently established themselves as first-team regulars for their respective clubs. Torres, in particular, has long been a priority for Barcelona.
This summer, Barcelona has already agreed to terms with veteran Inigo Martinez. With Eric Garcia’s future uncertain. Barcelona might show interest in signing another top-tier center-back to contend with Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, and Jules Kounde.
Bringing Spanish international Pau Torres to Camp Nou, on the other hand, could be a difficult task. During negotiations for top target Juan Foyth, his club Villarreal did not appear to be interested in opening up economic options for Barcelona. Torres’ current deal expires in 2024, although Barcelona are unlikely to be able to finance him. As a result, the club must continue to prioritise key targets like a new right back and Lionel Messi.
Guillamon, who successfully moved from a centre-back to a No.6 at Valencia, might possibly be considered for the defensive midfield role vacated by Busquets. But, with names like Sofyan Amrabat and Martin Zubimendi at the top of the wishlist, it remains to be seen whether Barça is serious about signing the 23-year-old.
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