FC Barcelona are keen to sign a left-back and hope to have a deal in place for one this week, before Ernesto Valverde's side travel to the United States.
It's for that reason that the club have intensified talks with Real Betis over Junior Firpo. Betis are now ready to lower their demands but an agreement is not yet in place.
Barça don't want to invest a lot in a player who, in theory, will arrive as the backup to Jordi Alba, who has a great relationship with Lionel Messi on the pitch.
However, they do need a left-back having gone the whole of last season with no natural replacement for Alba, turning to Barça B's Juan Miranda infrequently.
Barça recognise that Junior has always been on their shortlist but has never been a priority because Betis started talks by demanding 35 million euros.
Weeks have passed and Betis have not had interest from elsewhere. They though interest from the Premier League would develop.
It seems they are now ready to change their stance. Barça have told Betis they won't stretch to 35 million. On Monday. Betis dropped the fee and are now ready to sell for 25 million, although Barça are only offering 20 million.
There's room for negotiation. The fee could be paid in instalments or a certain amount could be based on Junior's success at Camp Nou. Miranda could be included in the deal, too.
Longlife2000
72
U spent 120 on a 28 year old in a position we have lots of players in and u can't spend 30 on a 22 year old in a position we need cover for and someone who can fit right in and play for us for the next 10 years....
vDestiny8
58
Why is Barcelona stingy on signing? They did so when they had the opportunity to sign Arthur Melo for less than 25m€. At the end they spent 32m€. Look at the case of De Jong and De Ligt, they’d have signed these guys for 50m€ last year. At the end, they spent around 85m€ on only De Jong. Who knows Arthur Melo would disposed Coutinho in midfield? Junior Firpo has an amazing talent and I believe he can overthrow Alba at the LB position. Go for the guy and stop that stingy lifestyle.
vodcdelpst
43
Barcelona please signed Moussa Dembélé , Everton soares , Junior Firpo this Summer before transfer end. Sell Malcom , rafinha , rakitic ,this summer transfer next winter transfer season sell Sergio busquest , Suarez,pique, and if dembele and umtiti continued to be injury then sell them too. next winter transfer season bring neymar, let him play this years with PSG to check up his injury because he might be like dembele always injury, missing many matches ,it would be great lost for the club.and buy some young talented player but not above 29 years players. don't waste money like before. be wise in buying players.