Laporta pushing for Barca to sign Betis ace
Robin Bairner
- 12 Feb 2022 11:58 CST
- 3 min read
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has been drawing up a transfer shortlist for the club alongside head coach Xavi.
A number of significant moves are hoped for at Camp Nou in the summer months, though the situation remains complicated because of the club’s difficult financial position.
Nevertheless, Barca managed to sign Ferran Torres from Manchester City in a massive January move, which many critics thought would be impossible for them.
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Laporta, in the meantime, has been consistently bullish over his team’s prosects in the market, even talking up their chances of signing Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
The Norway international, though, is a difficult target due to the volume of teams chasing his signature.
An alternative to Haaland?
Sport reports that Laporta wants to inject some more fantasy into his club’s creative play and wants to sign Nabil Fekir from Real Betis.
The Sevilla-based club have been thrilling this season, with Fekir playing a major role for their success alongside Sergio Canales and Juanmi.
Barcelona’s prospects of signing the France international, though, are slim. The Catalans are reportedly eyeing a move worth €60 million for the 28-year-old but Betis will demand at least €80m for their star.
If Barcelona were to pay this money for one player, it would be unlikely they could sign a superstar forward. Instead, they would trust Ferran Torres in the role, despite the former Man City man not being seen as a natural No.9.
Fekir, though, is a player who provides both goals and assists. This all-round attacking quality means that he would be a highly attractive addition for the Camp Nou side.
Indeed, the former Lyon player has been favourably compared to Barca great Lionel Messi as he is left sided, highly technical and has a low centre of gravity. He is a player who fits Barca’s philosophy nicely and would be a logical addition if his price tag were not so high.
The fact that Barcelona are interested in Fekir highlights their desire to move back to their traditional values.
