The Blaugrana have started their selling spree.
We already have the first player to leave, but who will follow?
Barcelona has sent young midfielder Carles Aleña on loan to fellow La Liga club Real Betis until the end of the season. The Spain Under-21 international Alena started Barca’s first league game of the campaign but has struggled for playing time since, featuring just three more times in the top flight.
Speaking this month, head coach Ernesto Valverde admitted he would have liked to have used Aleña more often this term given his impressive display against Inter Milan in the Champions League. The 21-year-old, who worked his way through the academy ranks and has made 39 first-team appearances, will now link up with Betis for the second half of 2019-20.
📣 OFFICIAL | | #RealBetis sign Carles Aleñá on loan 📝🤝
— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) December 28, 2019
Hit it hard these months, @Carlesale10! 💫💚
➡ https://t.co/5RHDc2DzrO pic.twitter.com/XNcjiOeFJg
He has been consistently linked with a move away from the Camp Nou this season, with La Liga rivals Getafe and Valencia also reported to be interested in a loan move for him. The six-month loan deal, confirmed on Barcelona’s official website on Saturday, does not include any purchase option.
According to Mundo Deportivo, AC Milan director Paolo Maldini contacted Aleña’s father personally to sign the Barcelona midfielder on an 18-month loan with option to buy. Aleña told him that his plan was to leave on loan so he can return to Barcelona again. He was then convinced with the Real Betis option. Aleña is in line to make his debut for 13th-place Betis away at Deportivo Alaves on January 5.
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