Juventus to offer Alba a way out at Barcelona

FT Desk
FT Desk
  • 1 Oct 2022 18:32 BST
  • 3 min read
Jordi Alba, Barcelona
© ProShots

Jordi Alba has cut a frustrated figure at Barcelona this season, but Juventus could be ready to offer the Spain left-back a way out of Camp Nou.

Alba has been restricted to just one La Liga start this season with youngster Alex Balde making the left-back spot his own. The summer arrival of Marcos Alonso from Chelsea means things aren't likely to get much better for Alba, either.

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Barca reportedly want Alba's salary off their wage bill, and the 33-year-old railed against his current employers last month for trying to offload him to Inter Milan in the summer transfer window.

"Barcelona negotiating with Inter at the end of the transfer window?" he asked incredulously. "In the end everyone acts as they want. I'm someone who likes to be told things straight. You can always do better, but after everything I've seen I'm not surprised by anything."

"I don't have to vindicate myself," the defender, who has won 15 major honours with Barca, continued. "I've been at the club for many years, I've gone through moments when I haven't played. I always try to be the best I can and now I haven't had those minutes."

Juve need Sandro replacement

And now the path to Italy appears to be clear. Juventus are unhappy with incumbent left-back Alex Sandro, with the Brazilian set to be allowed to leave for free at the end of his contract next summer, and Alba is seen as a budget-friendly solution.

"The profile that Juve is looking for is that of Jordi Alba" report Spanish outlet Sport. "An experienced footballer who is still in very good shape and who could be a good market opportunity if Barca gave him up or released him under freedom of contract.

Alba could go to the World Cup this winter as Spain's first-choice left-back, although he has competition for his national team place from Valencia's Jose Gaya.

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