According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona and Inter Milan have agreed on a swap deal for Jordi Alba. The Catalans are looking to offload the left-back following his age issues. While the Serie A champions are looking for an ideal replacement for Ashley Young who left the Italian club for free this summer.
Jordi Alba has been loyal to Barcelona since joining the Catalans in 2012 from Valencia. Over the nine years in Barcelona, the Spaniard has made the left-back spot his own, while appearing 385 times. However, despite his loyalty, Barcelona are looking to load off the defender due to his age and high wage bill.
However, despite being 33-year-old, Alba was able to put an impressive role at the left-back for the Catalans last season. He was used as a left-back winger in the team filling both the role of defending and attacking in Ronald Koeman’s 3-5-2 formation. But Barcelona will be looking for a long-term replacement despite his form last season.
Currently, Jordi Alba has still left two years in his contract with an enormous £429m release clause at Barcelona. While the defender has also stated that he would not like to leave the Catalans next season. But, Barcelona are thinking otherwise because of his high earning wage and age. Following which they are ready to sell off their best left-back this summer.
It was reported a few days earlier that Inter Milan are interested in the 33-year-old but no offer was tabled to sign Alba. But as per recent reports, the Italian side have proposed a swap deal to land the left-back this summer. Inter Milan offered their center-back Alessandro Bastoni to Barcelona in exchange for signing Jordi Alba.
The swap deal works for both FC Barcelona and Inter Milan
Barcelona and Inter Milan both drown in a big debt due to the coronavirus pandemic. Following which both the teams are forced to make some heavy changes in their financial books. While both the clubs are also forced to choose the option for targeting free agents, low-wage players, and swap deals in this transfer window.
The Catalans are looking to build a better defensive line for next season after conceding silly goals which cost them the league title. While Inter Milan are in the market for a left-back for the next season. As currently, that spot is empty after Ashley Young left the club as a free agent to join Aston Villa.
Both the team have agreed to shake hands to solve those issues for next season. Inter Milan are interested in signing Jordi Alba as their left-back this summer. Following which they have offered to exchange Alessandro Bastoni to Barcelona, as the Italians are short off transfer funds.
The swap deal works for both the clubs as both will be getting what they want mostly want for their next season. However, Barcelona have already signed Eric Garcia and Emerson Royal as their defensive options. But, the swap deal will not be a waste as it may force all the defenders to give their best in order to keep their name on the team sheet. So, let’s wait and see if the idea of a swap deal goes ahead for both the camps or not.
