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Lionel Messi gives the green light to Barcelona to sign ‘next Jordi Alba’

By Atharva Khadilkar

GIRONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 27: Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his sides second goal with his teammate Jordi Alba during the La Liga match between Girona FC and FC Barcelona at Montilivi Stadium on January 27, 2019 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
GIRONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 27: Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his sides second goal with his teammate Jordi Alba during the La Liga match between Girona FC and FC Barcelona at Montilivi Stadium on January 27, 2019 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has given the club the nod to sign one of Europe’s most capable full-backs, who could be the next ‘Jordi Alba‘.

Barcelona full back Jordi Alba has not had any back up this season following the departure of Lucas Digne to Everton. Thomas Vermaelen has been used as a makeshift in the position whereas academy player Juan Miranda has been given the nod to cover the left flank by manager Ernesto Valverde.

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The Catalans are looking forward to what is going to be a busy transfer period for them and Lionel Messi is going to dictate the signings which the club makes. They have now shortlisted a replacement as well as a back-up for Jordi Alba. While Filipe Luis was on their radar for a free transfer, the Brazilian seems headed to Borussia Dortmund.

Hence, an alternative option has now been considered in England. That is Portugal U19 international Ruben Vinagre. The young full back is on the books of the Premier League’s revelation side Wolverhampton Wanderers and has enjoyed a productive season under the eyes of ex-Valencia coach Nuno Espirito Santo.

Aged only 20, Ruben Vinagre has 16 appearances to his name during the season and is one of the most budding left backs in the Premier League. He signed for the Wolves back in 2017 from Monaco and he was instrumental for them as they made their way back into the Premier League after a long drought from the English top flight. Leo Messi has also given the thumbs up to sign him.

Ruben Vinagre has been valued at 18 million euros and is so far, the subject of interest only from Barcelona. The Catalans find him a great fringe player, who definitely will not have many issues with staying on the bench in his initial days at the Camp Nou. Moreover, he is not excessively expensive and may turn out to be a bargain in the long-run.

Ruben Vinagre’s defensive contribution is lacking, but that will definitely improve with experience and training- as is the case with nearly every upcoming full back. However, his speed and attacking talent are tripled with a great potential. Moreover, he will get back to Iberian soil and hence, could find great comfort as compared to Lisbon in Barcelona.

Next. Lionel Messi asks Barcelona to fuel its Achilles heel ASAP. dark

Should Barcelona sign Ruben Vinagre given that he is available for a reasonable cost?

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