Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Barcelona B’s sensational midfielder Carles Alena, as the Magpies try to get quality additions with a limited budget ahead of an immensely challenging season. The 19-year-old central midfielder has been touted by many as the ‘next Iniesta’ at the famous La Masia academy.
Rafael Benitez’s men are reportedly scouting the talented youngster for long now and could make a move for the player this summer, although they face stiff competition from London giants, Arsenal, in landing him. Similar to their previous season, Benitez has wasted no time in securing the services of his preferred targets as he prepares for a crucial season.
Not many have the courage to take on a Championship club and target a strong finish in the top-flight football the immediate next season. But thanks to the unquestioned support of the club authorities and a strong financial backing, the Spaniard did manage to execute his plans perfectly in his first full season in the second-tier of English football. He is now looking for a strong finish back in familiar territory.
Like most other newly-promoted clubs in the Premier League every year, Newcastle will also have to make do with low-profile players and big club loanees. They cannot rely on their big stature anymore as was the case last season. Lack of European lure will also put them in a disadvantageous position when it comes to big targets.
However, it is unlikely to deter the Spaniard from going after his priority names. And Alena is one of his top ones. The left-footed midfielder is Spain’s Under-20 skipper now since making his debut for them in January last year. It only indicates his ability to dictate the game from the middle of the park and his leadership qualities.
His phenomenal displays in the second team have also led Luis Enrique to call on his services four times this season in the La Liga as well as Copa del Rey. While he could only play in a mere 40 minutes in three league games, he did play 76 minutes in Barca’s game against Hercules in Copa del Rey and also managed to score in the process.
It is difficult to see why Barcelona would want to part ways with a player having such potential, but following an uneventful season for the Catalans the La Liga giants are expected to bring in some major reinforcements this summer; which, more than anything, would delay Alena’s big moment at the club.
He has scored four goals and assisted seven times in the junior league last season in 23 outings and with his contract with Barcelona expiring at the end of next season, now is the perfect time to make the move for the Magpies.
