In a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo (translated by Football Espana), Real Betis left-back Junior Firpo shared his thoughts on the speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona and said,
“It is true that I have heard the stories of me moving to Barcelona.
“I take real pride in this, and to be linked with a club like FC Barcelona is a compliment.
“But at the moment I am focused on pre-season training with Betis.
“I am so grateful to the club, because they have given me everything.”
The fact that the Spaniard feels proud of being linked with the Catalans indicate that he would fancy a chance to complete a switch to the Nou Camp this summer. The La Liga defensive ace enjoyed a productive tournament in the European Under-21 Championships last month. He helped Spain lift the famous trophy after they saw off Germany’s challenge by winning the final with a 2-1 scoreline.
Firpo’s Fruitful Season For Real Betis
Firpo had an outstanding campaign for the La Liga outfit after he put in some impressive displays in the Spanish top-flight last season. Firpo participated in 29 matches for Betis in the previous term, scoring three times while creating five assists across all competitions.
He is a reliable defender at the back as evidenced by his average record of 1.6 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 1.4 clearances per game for the Spanish club in the last campaign (Stats via Whoscored).
What Will The Spanish Sensation Bring To The Nou Camp?
Firpo is incredibly pacey and can make a few dangerous runs in the opposition half. He made an average of 1.3 dribbles per match in the top tier of Spain last season (Stats via Whoscored). The Spaniard is also a capable defender inside his own half as he can cover a lot of ground when left isolated at the back. The Real Betis rising star has added some goals and assists to his game in the previous campaign.
The 22-year-old is only getting better with each season, and so Barca could see him at his best if they manage to bring him to Catalunya in this off-season. Ernesto Valverde has currently got Jordi Alba who has been a real asset for the Catalans since arriving from Valencia in the summer of 2012.
Firpo Is Proud Of Barca Links: Massive Boost For The Catalans?
Firpo has all the skillset required to be an ideal successor to Alba at the Nou Camp. The Spanish prospect’s recent revelation will undeniably be a big boost for Valverde and his chances of landing the Betis left-back before the start of the new season. Hence, Barca should try everything in their power to land him this summer.
