Mundo Deportivo conducted surveys recently among the Barcelona Socios over various topics and the results have been published, which yielded interesting outcomes. This also gives us an idea about what’s the centre of discussion and what’s the priority inside the hierarchy of Camp Nou management.
The first one was if Jordi Alba should leave at the end of the season, and surprisingly, 47% of the votes were in favour of the departure of La Blaugrana’s veteran fullback. 26% of them wanted him to bid farewell next summer, while the rest wanted him to leave in the January window itself.
Earlier being linked to a move away with links to Internazionale being the most notable ones were floating around previously as well. Alba hasn’t had the best times, especially defensively, but with the recent competition from young Balde has pushed him to do better, and he’s in his best shape in recent times.
His priority, obviously, is to fulfil his contract before considering his future. He would possibly like to retire here, as has been evident per the recent reports from Spanish media.
The second topic on which the Socios were asked to cast vote upon was ‘What is the utmost priority in terms of new signings in January’ and unsurprisingly, 65% of the votes were given to Defensive reinforcements.
Barcelona have been linked to numerous right-backs and a few centre-backs after their motives for bolstering the aforementioned positions were known. Reports from Mundo Deportivo highlighted that the possible options were Diogo Dalot and Thomas Meunier, mainly due to their offensive output.
However, the latest reports from reliable source Relevo suggest that Barcelona are scouting Pedro Porro and Arnau Martinez as possible signings. The latter can also play as a Centre back and came through the ranks of La Masia.
As far as the centre-half reinforcement is concerned, Inigo Martinez is the most probable signing, whose contract runs down next summer. However, his arrival in winter is quite complicated as the Catalan giant’s priority is to strengthen the right-back position. Reports also say that a verbal agreement is there between the Athletic Club’s seasoned defender and the Catalan club.