Spanish media outlet AS, claims that the highly-rated Carles Alena, could leave Barcelona for just £2.6 million before the end of June. They are also reporting that Tottenham are the favourites to secure his signature.
The 19-year old’s contract at the Nou Camp expires next summer and the player is yet to agree to a new deal. It is understood that he wishes to leave.
The report claims that, when Alena’s contract reaches its final 12 months, the player’s release clause will rise from €3 million to €12 million, on July 1st.
Spurs have become known for handing young players first-team opportunities, under manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentinian also has contacts in Barcelona, after his time as a player and coach at the city’s other club, Espanyol.
Alena did appear in La Liga, when he featured for Barcelona against Grenada in April. He has also appeared in the Copa Del Rey, against Hercules. Although, it seems that he is not patient. Despite being just 19-years old, he would like more first-team chances at another club.
Despite being just 19-years old, he would like more first-team chances at another club. Spurs have a history of signing promising young players from Barcelona. In 2007, they signed Giovani dos Santos from the Catalan giants. The Mexican came to White Hart Lane with high expectations, having been a star of La Masia, setting all kinds of goal-scoring records.
However, dos Santos struggled to make an impact at Spurs. Despite some glimpses in his first pre-season at the club, he didn’t manage to break fully into the first-team. He even had to endure a loan spell at Championship strugglers, Ipswich Town. The pace and physicality of the English game was something he failed to adapt to. Overall, it was a sad story of a player who possessed so much talent.
If Alena makes the move to North London, he will be hoping for happier times, of course. A diminutive midfielder, he will have many potential suitors this summer, from a range of leagues.
Our Verdict
At Spurs, he may struggle to break into the side’s midfield, which is already heavily loaded with talent. Although, fans on the other side of North London will remember a similar figure arriving at their club from the same destination and making a success of his time there. If Alena turns out anything like Francesc Fabregas, then he will be a fine signing, indeed!
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