After a protracted transfer saga, Paco Alcacer has finally intervened and asked Valencia for a transfer to Spanish champions Barcelona.
It’s been no secret that Barcelona have been chasing his signature for much of the last month, keen to add a forward to their roster. Valencia have already sold numerous players in this window, including star midfielder Andre Gomes to the Catalans and have been reluctant to see the departure.
The fact that Alcacer is a fan’s favourite and a product of their youth system doesn’t help, and his sale will certainly annoy the already disgruntled fans at the Mestalla. There doesn’t seem to be much that the club can do to get in his way, now that he’s asked to be let go off.
Valencia president, Lay Hoon Chan, had earlier stated that the club wouldn’t negotiate with Barcelona until Alcacer himself communicates his keenness to be sold, and it is reported that is exactly what happened in the player’s meeting with the president. The 22-year-old forward is reported to have clearly expressed his willingness to move to the Nou Camp in a direct meeting with Chan.
The transfer fee seems to have already been agreed verbally and remains to be formalized at €30 million plus a further €5 million in bonuses. Munir El Haddadi may move to Valencia as part of the same deal.
Blaugrana fans will have plenty to be excited about if Alcacer’s signing goes through. The Spaniard already has 6 goals in 13 national team appearances and should get plenty of playing time on the pitch even with Barcelona’s star trio up front.
His last La Liga campaign was his most productive yet, with 13 league goals in 34 appearances and he has plenty of opportunity for growth.
Alcacer has already agreed terms on a 5-year contract with Barcelona and his transfer should be sealed imminently, barring any last minute obstacles or attempts by Valencia to further raise the player’s price.
It would bring an end to a pretty active transfer market for Barcelona, with the Spanish champions having spent a significant outlay on Andre Gomes, Denis Suarez, Lucas Digne and Samuel Umtiti already.
Valencia will have to move quickly to replace Alcacer as well, with only a few days left before the transfer window slams shut.
