Barcelona are still interested in signing La Liga star defender amid contract renewal rumours.
Signing a left-back was one of Barcelona’s main priorities during the summer transfer window. While the club did end up signing Marcos Alonso on deadline day, it was more of a last-resort option than a well-calculated investment.
Barça may not even have made a move for Alonso if they had realised Alejandro Balde’s potential a bit earlier in the summer.
To that end, the Catalans have maintained their search for a new left-back, especially with Jordi Alba struggling with form. The veteran defender is unlikely to continue for long either, thus accentuating the need for a new option in the position.
Jose Gaya is one of the players that Barça has reportedly continued to monitor, according to Diario SPORT. The Valencia starlet was extensively linked with a summer transfer to Camp Nou, but nothing came of it because the player preferred to stay at the Mestalla.
Gaya still considers staying at Valencia to be his top aim because he has a strong bond with the team. The conditions of a new agreement, which will essentially ensure his future at Valencia, are even being negotiated by the two parties.
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In the event that Gaya suddenly changes his mind, the article claims Barcelona has been contacted as a potential backup plan. He and Valencia already have some disagreements on the financial terms of the new contract.
Barça are looking to make full use of that by giving Gaya the opportunity to replace Alba, whose contract at Camp Nou expires in 2024.
However, the Catalans still remain outsiders in this chase, knowing Gaya has a good understanding with Valencia.
Despite the slight discrepancies over the financial details, the two parties remain committed to reaching an agreement and are seeking to officiate the contract extension before the start of the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.
