Barcelona are in advanced stages of signing Junior Firpo from Real Betis.
Barcelona are in talks with Real Betis over a potential transfer for left-back Junior Firpo. The Spaniard has four years left in his contract and an offer of €27 million has convinced Los Verdiblancos.
Since Lucas Digne’s departure to Everton last summer, Jordi Alba has never been breathed down the neck by a player. Owing down to the reason of extense scouting, Valverde sees Junior Firpo as an ideal backup to ageing Spaniard. The 30-year-old was enthralling in the offensive part of the game, but has committed so mistakes in the defensive part of the game – especially against Liverpool, where he was culpable for the first two goals.
According to the reliable Gianluca Di Marzio, the deal has never been closer to what it is now as both the clubs agree on a €27 million transfer. The deal is in advanced stages and president Josep Bartomeu will conclude the deal once the club returns from Japan.
The 22-year-old exploded under Quique Setien’s attacking methodology which brought them Europa League football last season. Junior Firpo, who was part of the Spanish Under-21 Championship crown, has notched up 5 goals and 7 assists in 43 appearances for Real Betis.
In the past, Real Madrid were also interested in Firpo, but they opted for Ferland Mendy instead. Liverpool, who are also looking for an understudy to Andy Robertson expressed their desire to sign the player. But, Jurgen Klopp was not willing to spend highly for a back-up option. During their first enquiry for the player, Real Betis demanded €40 million. This allowed a free road for Barcelona to get closer their number one left-back target of the summer transfer window.
Ernesto Valverde has already welcomed Frenkie De Jong, Antoine Griezmann, and Neto in this window. In the view of the fact that the majority of the squad heading into the mid-’30s, a newfangled squad could be Barcelona’s new outlook in the next two years.
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Junior Firpo possesses versatility in his game. In the forward department, left-wing has always been on the receiving end. The Spaniard will be a good stopgap option for the Blaugrana in that area as well.
