Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for Real Betis defender Juan Miranda, who previously played for the Blaugrana.
Miranda, 23, came through the ranks at Real Betis before moving to La Masia in 2014. There, he progressed to the first team at Barcelona, but was sold back to Betis in 2021.
He has been a success at Betis, making 85 appearances for the Verdiblancos, and with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, he is now of interest to Xavi.
Barcelona could move for Miranda
SPORT have now reported that Barcelona, as well as Italian giants AC Milan, are monitoring Miranda ahead of a potential move.
Barcelona still own 50% of the left-back’s rights, but if he departs Betis for free, they will then lose this.
If he does not extend his deal with Real Betis, Barcelona are now considering signing him on a free, where they can either sell him again, or indeed use him in the squad.
Marcos Alonso’s contract runs out at the end of the season, and Miranda could be the perfect replacement for him in the back line.
Barcelona should keep Miranda
More depth at left-back will be welcomed by Xavi, and if Alonso leaves, Miranda could arrive as a young, but experienced replacement, whilst also qualifying as a home grown player.
At 23, he has established himself as a top talent in his position, and he could be a long-term squad option on a free transfer.
Lionel Messi even praised the defender when he started training with the first team whilst at La Masia.
“They have been training with us for a while and you see they are different players,” Messi stated of Juan Miranda and Riqui Puig over five years ago.
“The club did well in bringing them up to train with us. They will grow more and that’s good the club are using people from the youth academy because for a while nobody came. Going back to that model is important for the academy and the club.”
Having two top quality and young left-backs who graduated through La Masia in Alejandro Balde and Miranda would be a nice scenario for Barcelona, and this will be a deal to keep an eye on.