Reports have emerged linking Manchester United with Barcelona’s Jordi Alba. This is certainly a conflicting bit of news since the Spaniard already rejected claims of a move to Tottenham Hotspur in an interview, earlier this week.
When asked about the rumoured move to North London, Alba said, “No, no, I’m very good at Barca. If it were up to me, I would stay at Barcelona all my life. But it does not depend on me but on what the club wants. It also depends on my performance, which this season has been very good, but I do not see myself outside of Barcelona.”
Currently, the 29-year-old is in Russia, serving his country in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and has already totalled 64 caps. He is one of the best left-backs in the world and is associated with a club at the very top of the food chain.
The Red Devils have the resources to expend the reported asking price (€60m) but they have already signed Diogo Dalot from FC Porto. Jose Mourinho also has converted Ashley Young into a competent figure, who is currently a starter for his national team as well.
On the other hand, Alba is at his prolific best in the Barcelona ranks and is still enjoying the peak of his career. He delivered 12 assists this past season to help the side to the domestic double. The Spaniard almost has an incomprehensible understanding with Lionel Messi on the offensive end of the pitch.
Lucas Digne serves as an understudy and has very similar traits but has nowhere close to the talent or pace of Alba. The 29-year-old grew up in the Barcelona youth ranks which makes him a better fit.
Alba trained within the walls of the prestigious La Masia academy but was deemed to be “too small” and let go. He earned his place in football with Cornella by helping them earn promotion back to the Tercera division in the 2005/06 season.
He impressed for Valencia as well, making over 100 appearances for the side and marking his way back to the Camp Nou for €14m in 2012. Ever since, the left-back has been a perfect fit for the club’s system and almost uncontested in the starting XI.
He has registered 4 La Liga and Copa del Rey medals and the 2014/15 UEFA Champions League trophy to his name. He was also voted into the FIFpro World XI 4 times and 2012 UEFA Euro Team Of The Tournament.
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It is just absurd to think that the veteran would quit such a favourable position at this point of his career with two more seasons still left in his contract. But United have the pull to land the best of stars in Europe so do you think Alba is an option for the Red Devils this summer?
