Barcelona plan on counting on Brazilian defender for next season | OneFootball

According to a report by Marcelo Bechler, Barcelona wish to keep Brazilian right-back Emerson, who is currently on loan at Real Betis.

The future of Emerson, who joined the Andalusian club in 2018, has been a huge talking point within the Nou Camp considering the acquisition of Sergiño Dest in 2020, who is enjoying fine form.

The Catalans would have to pay 9 million Euros to Betis to acquire the Brazilian. Reportedly, Barcelona would only consider selling Emerson if they receive a significantly large offer for him, seeing as Barcelona would only receive 50% of the transfer value owing to a split 50-50 ownership of the right-back between Barcelona and Betis, who divided the 12.7 million Euro transfer sum to Atlético Mineiro in 2018.

The global financial situation deems a large offer for the defender highly unlikely,  although the Brazilian was rumored to have garnered interest from Premier League side Tottenham ahead of the summer transfer window, allegedly being willing to pay the 25 million Pound asking price that Barcelona had at the time, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Last month, Emerson emphasised his focus on Real Betis, stating: “I see what the press says, but I am only concentrating on my football here. I don’t think about Barcelona or anyone else, only Betis.

“We have 10 important games left and we want to get the maximum out of them if possible. When the season is over, then I will think about my future. Betis is a spectacular club.”

Irrespective of Manuel Pellegrini’s desire to keep the Brazilian in his plans, if the reports are to be believed, it would suggest that Emerson fits into Koeman’s plans for the 2021/22 season, despite staunch competition from youngster Sergiño Dest and veteran Sergi Roberto for the right-back spot.

Emerson’s attacking stature is likely to have attracted Koeman, seeing as he prefers fullbacks that join the attack, leaving 3 center-backs.

Emerson has had a great season with Real Betis, who currently stand 6th in La Liga after a 0-0 draw to Real Madrid.

Article by Madhav Kacker