Barcelona have not forgotten about 21-year-old La Liga midfielder after failed talks last year | OneFootball

At just 21 years old, Javi Guerra has established himself as the most promising talent to emerge from Valencia’s academy in recent years.

The midfielder’s rise has not gone unnoticed as FC Barcelona have been admiring his rise and have had their eyes on him for a while now, according to SPORT.

Mateu Alemany wanted Guerra at Barcelona

Barcelona will lock horns with Valencia this Sunday in La Liga and will come face to face with Guerra, whom they have tracked for a while now.

The 21-year-old is a midfielder with an athletic frame and the ability to make regular runs into the penalty area. He is also known for his solid defensive work and tenacity.

These qualities caught the attention of Barcelona’s technical staff. From the time of Mateu Alemany, who was well acquainted with Valencia’s youth system, the youngster was already on the club’s radar.

Barcelona have had their eye on Javi Guerra for a long time. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Alemany, who had been an executive at Valencia for two and a half years, was aware of the midfielder’s potential, even before he began to make a significant impact on the field.

Contacts made last year

Even after Alemany’s departure, Guerra remained closely linked with a move to Barcelona towards the end of last season.

With Gavi sidelined due to a long-term injury, sporting director Deco and his team intensified their interest in the Valencia midfielder.

Barcelona were keen on pursuing Guerra, and talks took place with his representatives. The feasibility of the deal was explored.

But Valencia’s asking price of €25 million proved too high for the club, given their economic constraints and the need to assess Hansi Flick’s preferences, who had just arrived at the club.

Given that he shares an agency with Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena, Guerra’s name came up several times in discussions, but the club never made a formal offer to Valencia.

Ultimately, the deal was put on hold, though Guerra’s potential was not forgotten. This Sunday, he will have the opportunity to showcase his talent at Montjuic.