Ajax defender pushing to join Barcelona next week: Fabrizio Romano | OneFootball

Barcelona’s game against Athletic Club in defeat, knocking them out of the Copa del Rey. There were a few standout performances with Pedri, Gerard Pique, and Ronald Araujo doing their level best to avoid defeat. Alba’s display, unfortunately, was on the opposite end of the spectrum.

The Spaniard was responsible for the first goal, failing to properly track Nico Williams on the break, and then gave away an (admittedly unintentional) penalty in extra-time. This seems to have triggered the Barcelona board to bring in a left-back in the winter, with Nicolas Tagliafico of Ajax strongly linked.

Fabrizio Romano pretty much confirms those rumours, reporting that Tagliafico is pushing to join Barça next week. The two parties are, however, clashing their heads on the type of deal they want to pursue.

Ajax are looking for a permanent deal, with Tagliafico’s price tag set at €7 million, while Barcelona want to bring him in on a six-month loan.

The Argentine considers this a huge chance for his career and is hoping that the Dutch champions will let him leave on loan.

As for Barcelona, they have also been linked to Jose Luis Gaya of Valencia, but any move for him in the winter seems impossible. La Masia graduate Alejandro Grimaldo is also rumoured with a switch.