What’s the story?
Lionel Messi has reportedly blocked Manchester United’s attempt to sign Jordi Alba from Barcelona. According to reports in Spanish daily Diario Gol, Premier League giants Manchester United were interested in signing the 28-year-old Spanish left-back, however, Lionel Messi, who is a huge fan of the left back's talents did not want the Catalan giants to agree a deal with United.
With Luke Shaw’s future uncertain at Manchester United, Jose Mourinho has repeatedly earmarked the 28-year-old as an ideal replacement. However, it will be tough to sign him now considering that Alba has the confidence of Messi and his Barcelona team-mates.
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In case you didn’t know...
Jordi Alba has been a key member of the Barcelona squad for the last 4 years, but recently, the pacy full-back has been left out of crucial games such as Barcelona’s La Liga fixture against Atletico Madrid and the incredible comeback win against PSG.
There have been claims in the Spanish media that part of the decision to change the system has been a concern over Alba's form, and the former Valencia man has found himself linked with a move away from the Spanish champions in recent weeks.
The Spaniard even revealed that he felt frustrated with the lack of confidence in him at Barcelona:
"I feel the total confidence of the boss here [in the Spain camp], which for me is a compliment and something that fills me with confidence. It's something I'm not having at Barcelona and that I'd maybe like to have," Alba told Movistar+.
However, with Luis Enrique set to step down after the end of the season, it looks likely that Alba might end up staying at Barcelona for the foreseeable future.
The heart of the matter
Jordi Alba has a contract with Barcelona upto 2020 and a release clause of £130 million. All this means that Barcelona will only sell the Spaniard if he intends to leave. Various Spanish reports are stating that Alba is waiting to see who the next manager will be before deciding his future.
Also, since Messi is a huge fan of the defender, it seems likely that Alba will stay at Barcelona and spurn a move to the Premier League. Messi is reportedly keen to avoid a scenario of trying to replace Jordi Alba in the summer transfer window, especially after the struggles to replace Dani Alves.
What’s next?
We are now in the business end of the season and with games approaching thick and fast, Alba will definitely be called upon Luis Enrique in the future. While the left back's future might be subject to some speculation, Alba can put in some good performances and silence his doubters.
Also, with Messi yet to sign a new contract, the Barcelona board will be desperate to please the Argentine maestro and it looks highly unlikely that Jordi Alba will be sold in the summer.
Also read: 5 world class players who rejected Manchester United
Author’s take
Jordi Alba is undoubtedly one of the best left-backs in the world at the moment and Barcelona will do well to heed Lionel Messi’s words and keep the Spaniard at Camp Nou.
