For a fair few seasons, Barcelona had been interested in signing Valencia’s Jose Gaya as their long-term solution at left-back.
However, Jordi Alba’s performances, plus the Spaniard’s high price tag meant the transfer never came to fruition.
With Alba’s contract expiring in 2024, though, this could have been the perfect time for Barcelona to swoop in for Gaya.
However, almost out of nowhere, across the pre-season, Barcelona were taken aback by a certain Alejandro Balde, who has now become their first-choice left-back over Jordi Alba.
Luckily for Gaya, Real Madrid are looking to sign a left-back in the summer to reinforce a problem position. The Valencia captain’s name has been gaining strength at the club, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Madrid’s interest in Gaya comes on the back of their disappointment with Ferland Mendy. The Frenchman has not performed according to expectations and could be sold come summer.
Madrid are also keeping tabs on Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, but they know poaching him from Bavaria will be next to impossible. Since there are not many alternatives available on the market, Gaya could turn out to be Madrid’s choice.
The Spaniard will also be available at a slashed price in the summer considering Valencia’s position in the league. The Spanish giants are sitting in 18th place in La Liga, and if relegated, could be forced to sell some of their priced assets on a discounted price.
While the problems persist at left-back, Madrid will also look to bolster the right-back position. While Daniel Carvajal is expected to stay, he could be demoted to second-choice in the pecking order, with the likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Reece James on their radar.
Either way, with more than two months left for the transfer window to open, Madrid will continue to scour the market in the hopes of coming up with ideal plugs to all their holes.