In a recent report, Goal.com has stated that Barcelona are zoning in on Real Betis full-back Emerson Royal, who is co-owned by the Catalans. However, they can now sign him permanently by taking sole ownership of the player for €9m this summer (via Goal.com).
The Brazilian full-back has also confirmed that he is joining Barca soon in a recent press conference while on international duty as he said (via Goal.com),
“You all know I have a contract with Barcelona starting June 1.
“It’s a three-year contract, the press is speaking about it and I think Barcelona is contacting Betis and made it clear they’re counting on me for next season.
“I’m glad, it’s a club I have dreamt of playing for since I started in football. To be recognised like that is a big thing for me, every player wants to play for Barcelona. I want to go there and show what I can do and establish myself at my position.”
Emerson also went on to add, “I can say that, yes. They’ve always said they were counting on me for next season. Having this recognition is a great thing for a footballer.
“These are the fruits of my work, I’ll be at Barcelona if that’s God’s will.”
Emerson’s Impressive Form At The Estadio Benito Villamarín
The 22-year-old has participated in 38 matches for Real Betis this term, scoring two goals and providing four assists in multiple competitions. Emerson has proven his worth as a reliable full-back as he is averaging 2.7 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 2.5 clearances, 1.0 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in this La Liga campaign. He has also been tidy when distributing the ball from the right flank after completing 81.2% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
What Will The Brazilian Defensive Ace Bring To The Nou Camp?
Emerson can use his quickness to make some promising runs down the right-wing. He is a tough-tackling full-back who can sense the danger quickly to earn possession for his team. The Brazilian sensation is not shy of clearing the danger when the opposition are looking to threaten on the counter. He has also added some important goals and assists to his name which makes him a great option for Barca to consider during this summer transfer window.
Hence, recruiting Emerson permanently this summer would be an excellent move for the Catalans as they are in dire need to add more quality and depth to their match-day squad. He is already good enough to become a regular starter at the Nou Camp and has the potential to grow into a class act in his position someday.
Emerson will bring plenty of bite and steel to Barca’s backline and would also contribute by netting and setting up his fair share of goals from the right-wing. All in all, we can expect him to develop into a future star in Spanish football, so the Catalans will do well to bring him on board in this off-season.
