Xavi Insists that Jordi Alba Remains Highly Valued at Barcelona Despite Speculation
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Barcelona head coach Xavi has insisted that Jordi Alba remains highly valued at the club despite the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. The 34-year-old has been with the Catalan giants since 2012, representing the club on 456 occasions in all competitions, scoring 27 goals and contributing 99 assists in the process.
Alba has featured 27 times in all competitions this term, scoring twice and providing six assists, but he has found it difficult to secure regular starts. The Spaniard has only featured in the first XI in La Liga on 12 occasions this term, with Alejandro Balde becoming Xavi's preferred choice on the left side of the defence. Alba has another year left to run on his contract, but there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future, with Barcelona believed to be keen to move him on this summer.
Xavi has insisted that he has "tremendous confidence" in his former teammate, but the Catalan side's head coach did hint that the defender could leave this summer if the circumstances were right. "I have tremendous confidence in him. I believe he's a loyal, valid and capable person," AS quotes Xavi as saying. "He must decide how the picture looks for him. But up to now, he has been a very important and transcendent piece. Whether he stays or leaves, he remains highly valued."
Barcelona are under pressure to trim their wage bill this summer due to their financial problems, and Alba is not thought to be in Xavi's plans moving forward, as he comes to the latter stages of his career. The Spaniard has won five La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey crowns and the Champions League during a highly-successful period at Camp Nou. This is the first season since arriving from Valencia that Alba has not been first choice, though, with Marcos Alonso also an option for Xavi on the left side of the defence.
Barcelona's plans for the summer window are unclear due to their financial issues, but they are still allegedly hopeful of bringing Lionel Messi back to the club on a free transfer. Ilkay Gundogan , who only has a contract with Manchester City until the end of June, also continues to be heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou this summer.
Xavi's side will be bidding to win the La Liga title on Sunday, and they will secure the trophy with a victory over Espanyol in the Catalan derby. Xavi has made it clear that Alba still holds a special place at Barcelona, and that the club will always value him regardless of his future. The head coach has proven to be a shrewd operator since taking over in January, and he will be hoping to keep Barcelona competitive next season, with or without Alba.
