Nicolas Tagliafico pushing for Barcelona move

Tagliafico has emerged as an option for Barcelona at left back

Similar to the striker position, Barcelona has long needed a replacement at left back for Jordi Alba. They’ve signed players such as Lucas Digne and Junior Firpo to try to be that replacement. However, neither have worked out.

Finding an alternative to Alba was initially going to be a priority come the end of the season. But the Catalans’ struggles, as well as those of Jordi Alba, has forced the club to look for someone during the January transfer window.

A number of players have been linked to Barcelona but the one gaining the most strength at the moment is Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Argentinian is keen on a move to Barcelona with the 29-year-old prioritizing a move to the Spanish giants above any other offers.

While there is interest from Barcelona, their financial position is hampering them and their ability to make an offer. Their plan for the remainder of the window is to search for players who are free agents or who can arrive on a loan.

According to ESPN, Ajax manager Erik ten Hag is reluctant to let Tagliafico leave despite preferring Daley Blind. Another obstacle is the fact the Dutch side want to sell Tagliafico, if he is to leave, as opposed to letting him leave on a loan .

Tagliafico would be a stop-gap solution with Barcelona interested in Valencia’s Jose Luis Gaya. Those hopes may be dashed with Gaya close to signing a new deal with Los Che.

Without Lionel Messi, Alba’s influence has waned with his defensive skills a liability for Barcelona. The 32-year-old is well aware of the criticism and defended himself following their 1-0 win over Alaves.

“I’ve felt singled out for many years now, but I am used to it and I accept the criticism,” Alba told ESPN.

“If I play well, no one talks about me. If I have a normal game, I’m criticized for not setting up two goals. If I play badly, I am killed.”

Whether or not Barcelona is able to pull off the move for Tagliafico, it does seem like Alba’s days as an undisputed starter are coming to an end. The only question remains if that time will come in the next couple of weeks or come the start of next season.