Barcelona's Backup Plan in Case They Fail to Land Marcos Alonso

Barcelona's Backup Plan in Case They Fail to Land Marcos Alonso

Rene Otinga
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:06 PM
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  • Barca are highly interested in 29-year old Ajax left back Nicolas Tagliafico
  • Xavi’s side is exploring the possibility of signing the Argentine as an alternative to Marcos Alonso
  • Tagliafico recently expressed his desire to leave Ajax, four years after signing for the Dutch giants

Barcelona have renewed their interest in Ajax fullback Nicolas Tagliafico in the event they miss out on Marcos Alonso.

Alonso is the preferred player for Barcelona, but the Catalan club is unsure Chelsea will let go of the Spaniard in time.

Tagliafico has a number of admirers in Europe this summer, with Brighton and Hove Albion also interested in his services.

The Argentine has been at Ajax for four years now, and was a key member of Erik Ten Hag’s side that reached the Champions League semi-final in 2019.

Tagliafico, Ajax, Argentina, Barcelona
Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax Amsterdam) of Argentina during the Finalissima 2022 match between Argentina and Italy at Wembley Stadium on June 1, 2022
Source: Getty Images

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He reportedly told Ajax he wants to leave, and Barcelona were keen on his signature in January, but the move did not work out.

In the event Tagliafico leaves the Eredevisie champions, Barcelona still face stiff competition to acquire his services.

According to The Sun, Lyon and Sevilla are also open to bidding for Tagliafico.

Lyon are particularly aggressive in their pursuit of a left-back after Manchester United hijacked their move for Tyrell Malacia.

With Barcelona’s current salary cap in mind, a move for Tagliafico would certainly suit the club as he is a cheaper alternative to Alonso.

Meanwhile, Alonso is keen on leaving Stamford Bridge, and he has previously expressed his desire to play in Spain.

Barcelona are unable to register new signings

Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported of Barcelona’s inability to register their two new acquisitions Franck Kessie and Andres Christiansen.

Barca’s wage bill is still higher than La Liga’s sanctioned cap, meaning the club might have to sell some players in order to register the duo.

The club’s urgent need to free up the club’s wage bill will likely see them part ways with some key players, with Frenkie De Jong being courted by Manchester United.

Recently, Barcelona sold part of their TV rights to an outside company, a move which helped them with a £200 million cash boost.

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Rene Otinga photo
Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.
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