Fabrizio Romano: Barcelona defender enters talks with AC Milan

It is well known that Barcelona are planning a massive haul this summer, which in all likelihood includes a number of departures from the squad. The most likely to leave Camp Nou is Junior Firpo, who had reportedly garnered interest from a number of Serie A clubs earlier, and according to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, has entered talks with AC Milan.

After being brought in by Quique Setién last season, Firpo’s career at Barcelona has been massively subpar, despite showing much promise at Real Betis earlier. Although he was brought in as a long-term defensive alternative to Jordi Alba, the latter’s stellar season naturally meant that the 24-year-old’s opportunities were exceedingly limited. 

With Ronald Koeman favouring attack-minded fullbacks in his 3-back setup, it’s easy to see why Firpo did not quite fit what was needed in the Dutchman’s roster. Despite the fact that Koeman will allegedly revert back to the more classic 4-back formation next season, it does look like the Spaniard’s time at Camp Nou is well and truly over.

With the onset of the huge financial crisis Joan Laporta has on his hands, offloading players is of the first priority. Although some names will be incredibly difficult to sell, Junior Firpo, fortunately, falls under the bracket of a player who can very feasibly leave the Catalan capital this summer.

His alluring profile for defensive clubs along with his age and relatively lower wage demands sees him fit as a long term option for a number of clubs. It is, therefore, easy to see why Firpo had significant demand this year, primarily from Serie A clubs.

According to the report, AC Milan are very interested and have commenced talks for the 24-year-old to bring him in this summer. Selling him is, frankly, not difficult at all, and considering the fact that Firpo himself is keen on leaving, he is probably the most likely departure this window.

With Barcelona reportedly interested in acquiring the services of José Gáyà, who has apparently stalled his contract negotiations with Valencia after a managerial change at the back of an underwhelming season, it would appear that the Catalans are already in search of a Jordi Alba alternative for next season.

Especially with Alejandro Baldé being promoted as a long-term prospect for the club, it is virtually certain that Firpo’s future is elsewhere.