Jordi Alba, a Barcelona veteran, could join Juventus in Italy in a deal that also includes Matthijs de Ligt, a Dutch defender. Both European powers are anxious to enhance their squads across the board after a season that fell short of expectations.
According to Calciomercato, the Italian club is interested in purchasing Alex Sandro as a left-back alternative after being underwhelmed by his performances this season. The Brazilian has spent seven seasons at the Allianz Stadium, but he is no longer able to produce consistent results. On several instances, Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has substituted Luca Pellegrini for Sandro, and the kid has impressed. Despite his age, the Barcelona left-back has outstanding athleticism when running up and down the flanks and is also fairly inventive from wide areas.
He also provides an experienced leadership figure into the locker room, which may enhance any team's character. According to Calciomercato, the Blaugrana could release Alba if the Bianconeri are willing to bargain for De Ligt.
Prior to his move to Juventus from Ajax, the La Liga heavyweights attempted to sign the defender. They may come back for his signature as the rebuilding process continues under Xavi Hernandez. There is, however, a catch. The 22-year-old centre-back, who has made 39 appearances this season and has a market worth of €70 million, has been a revelation.
He has three goals and one assist to his credit. Barcelona will only be able to pay de Ligt with Alba acting as a makeweight. Calciomercato understands that the Spanish international is presently making €9 million gross at Camp Nou, and that Juventus has a wage cap of €7 million. This disparity could play a role in this transaction in some way.
Is it feasible for Barcelona to approve the sale of the left-back to Juventus?
Jordi Alba is one of Barcelona's most important players, and he demonstrated his worth with a last-minute victory in La Liga against Real Betis on Saturday. This season, he has made 42 appearances and has three goals and 12 assists.
It's easy to see why Juventus is interested in him. However, without Alba and the necessary squad depth, it is impossible to imagine Barcelona challenging for the La Liga title and the Champions League next season. The Blaugrana have drawn up a shortlist of ten left-backs that they want to sign in the summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Marcos Alonso of Chelsea is thought to be a top target. Is it really feasible to let go of Alba, Xavi's only identifiable left-back, and trust that whoever replaces him can perform week in and week out? In the end, it may come down to how much Barcelona wants Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus.
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