Barcelona Transfer News: David Alaba, Neymar, Saul Niguez, Top Rumours

Bayern Munich’s David Alaba reportedly wants to join Barcelona, but only if the Catalan club agrees to play him in central midfield. Yet Barca may see the highly versatile Austrian international as a potential central defender next season.

Spanish source Mundo Deportivo (h/t Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror) stated Barca have “contacted Alaba” and “established that the 23-year-old would like to play for the Blaugrana.”

But the sticking point remains where Alaba plays. It has to be at the heart of midfield, a demand he’s already made in Munich.

Still, Bayern chiefs appear content to look at other options in the middle, according to Malyon: “Technical director Mathias Sammer was aware of this desire yet still finalised the signing of Renato Sanches from Benfica this week, making it more difficult for Alaba—who is 24 next month—to find a place.”

It speaks volumes of the quality in Bayern’s squad that a player as flexible and gifted as Alaba would ever be struggling to find a spot.

His combination of physical power and energy, along with the technical quality exuded from his wand of a left foot, makes Alaba an asset for any squad. But he’s had to show those attributes at various positions across the Munich defence, notably featuring at both left-back and centre-back this season.

Finding help in the latter position remains Barca’s priority, as Malyon pointed out.

Paris Saint-Germain Give Up Neymar Chase

Before fixing midfield and defence, Barca manager Luis Enrique can at least be content he won’t lose one of his marquee strikers to mega-rich Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

French publication L’Equipe (h/t Spanish source Sport) stated how PSG have run into difficulties in their bid to snag Neymar:

Neymar’s desire is to continue at Barcelona, where he is happy next to Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, forming the best trident in the world. …

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