Aston Villa are likely to join the race to sign the Barcelona star who has fallen in the pecking order this season.
Aston Villa have suffered the early squad crisis this season albeit having signed a number of sufficient players for each position. Ian Maatsen’s injury early, which was followed by Matteo Ruggeri’s and his back-up Aaron Wan Bissaka has left Unai Emery short of options for the natural left back position.
The Spaniard opted to utilise Tyrone Mings who did have experience playing that position in the past. Yet, it might be slightly too risky if you rely on the former Bournemouth man. His lack of pace to overlap could lead to trouble at their own defence line. Thus, the idea of signing a new left back figure is more than considerable.
One exciting name who can be available is the versatile wing back Alejandro Balde. According to the report in Givemesport ,The Lions are just one of the clubs which have been monitoring his situation.
“Aston Villa are among the teams who have held talks with super agent Jorge Mendes over a move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde.”
Balde was promoted to the first team under Xavi Hernandez in the 2021/22 season. He has been playing regularly until this season when he lost his place to Joao Cancelo and the rising star, Xavi Espart.
Balde’s availability news is certainly a positive one for his potential suitors. Aston Villa are definitely not the only party involved in the race. Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham are prepared to cash him in since Blaugarana reportedly has been open to enter the negotiation with £33m as the probable transfer fee to sanction his departure in January.
Villa has been keen on signing Espart too but securing Balde’s move seems to be more doable and cheaper. The Lions have held talks with Jorge Mendes, Balde’s agent on the potential future deal. If Villa could work on the loan deal, it would really help them to add the quality in their squad depth.
The 23-year-old left wing back is certainly the profile Villa is looking for, despite the fact that he still needs to improve some of his traits too. Balde is versatile, and can be deployed in both flanks. He can operate further to the front too as a midfielder left or even attacking midfielder left.
Overall, the product of La Masia academy has already featured in 173 games, scoring three times plus providing 21 assists in all competitions. Sadly, the arrival of Joao Cancelo and then the fine form of Xavi Espart really forces him down after he returns from his injury. His inconsistency and unconvincing defensive traits has been something which makes Hans Flick leave him on the bench more often recently.
The post Aston Villa prepare to join the battle to sign the snubbed Barcelona star appeared first on AVillaFan.com – Aston Villa Fan Site.
