After months of pursuing their former academy player, Hector Bellerin, it seems like that Barcelona might finally give up on the 22-year-old. The Spaniard has just signed a long-term deal with Arsenal and the North-London club is definitely unwilling to let go of their best player.
In a recent interview, Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez told El Mundo Deportivo that getting Bellerin would be ‘very difficult’. He stated, “Of course Hector is a good player… He is well known. He is playing at a great level … Those players are under contract with their respective clubs…. And especially when a player has a long-term contract, it’s very difficult.”
He also revealed his plans to be open to other options, and we have listed 3 players who could be good alternatives for him.
3 Alternatives Barcelona Could Go For After Former Academy Product Proves Difficult To Come By
Cedric Soares- Apart from Bellerin, Barcelona have also shown immense interest in this Portuguese international. The Southampton right-back could be a perfect fit for the Barcelona side given his attacking attributes. Soares has grabbed many eyeballs by his outstanding crosses on the counter and solid defensive quality. He likes to build up through short passes and could definitely make it to the top at Nou Camp.
An academy product of Portuguese side Sporting CP, Soares came up through the underage ranks of the popular club before breaking into the first team back in 2011. He spent a loan stint with Coimbra before making his big move to Premier League in 2015. He has since then assisted 12 times and scored twice in 94 games for Southampton. And if Barcelona comes calling, he will probably jump ship at the first chance.
Cesar Azpilicueta- A proven player in that position, the 27-year-old Spaniard could just be the ideal candidate. He has won pretty much everything with Chelsea (Premier League, the Europa Cup and the League Cup) and is en route to another Premier League title this season.
His experience at the top level will definitely be a huge asset for the Catalans, something which has been missing since Dani Alves left. He has played over 200 games for the Blues since joining in 2012 from French side Marseille. His disciplined defending and ability to hold the ball for long makes him an extremely valuable player.
Stephen Lichtsteiner- Yet another experienced option, the Swiss international has lost his first team place in Juventus under Max Allegri and is looking for a club. At 33, he may not be exactly what Barcelona are looking for, but the Catalans will surely leave space for Aleix Vidal when he returns from injury.
And he could be the perfect option for that. He is easily adaptable in an advanced role and makes some defence-ripping runs up the right flank when on the counter. He has won everything in Italy and Champions League is the one thing he hasn’t yet tasted. He would relish a move to Barcelona.
