AS has recently reported that Getafe are eyeing a January loan move for Barcelona midfielder Carles Alena. It is understood that José Bordalás’s side are hoping to sign the Spanish midfielder on loan until the end of this campaign with Barca prepared to allow him to leave when the transfer window commences at the start of next month (via AS).
Alena’s Mounting Frustrations In Spain This Season
Alena has endured a frustrating campaign at the Nou Camp after failing to earn regular first-team starts under Ronald Koeman’s stewardship. He has participated in just five matches for the Catalan giants but is yet to score or assist a goal this season.
However, the 22-year-old has caught the eye with his performances in Europe where he is averaging 1.0 shots, 1.0 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in the UEFA Champions League group stages. He has also been remarkably accurate with his ball-distribution as he has made 96.9% of his attempted passes in European football this season (stats via whoscored).
The Mataro-born midfield ace is in dire need to secure more first-team chances, so he can benefit from sealing a move away from the Nou Camp during the winter transfer period. At 22, he has to ensure regular game time if he wants to develop as a midfielder in the coming seasons.
What Are The Spanish Midfielder’s Best Attributes?
Alena has decent pace in his locker and can make some quick runs with the ball from midfield. He has a good passing range and usually keeps the ball moving with ease at the centre of the park. The three-time Spanish Under-21 international has shown plenty of promising signs over the past few years but needs to add some productivity to his game if he wants to play at the highest level week in week out. He has primarily been used as a central midfielder but is versatile enough to play as a right-sided wide player if needed, which could make him a decent squad player at a club like Getafe.
Should Barca Sanction His Loan Departure In January?
Alena is clearly not good enough to get into Koeman’s first-team right now. However, a loan spell or two could help him get some valuable experience which would boost his long-term growth as a footballer. Furthermore, Barca have enough strength in depth in their midfield department to cope with Alena’s temporary absence in the second half of this campaign.
Koeman has got Philippe Coutinho, Miralem Pjanić, Riqui Puig, Frenkie de Jong, Matheus Fernandes and Sergio Busquets fighting for a place in his first-team. Therefore, it makes sense for the Catalans to allow the player to leave on a short-term loan contract if the opportunity arises this winter with the hope that he would come back as a better version of himself at the end of the season.
