Barcelona’s Xavi reveals Jordi Alba replacement

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has stated categorically that he is happy with the current squad at his disposal and will not be looking to replace outgoing icon, Jordi Alba.

Alba announced his departure from Barcelona after 11 seasons at the club, bringing to an end a decade-long partnership with the Blaugrana after a season where he was no longer the automatic first choice in the team.

Unlike Sergio Busquets, who was seen as irreplaceable before his exit, Alba’s heir was apparent before he departed, and Xavi has now said that he will put his trust in the players that the club currently have in that position.

The Spanish gaffer recently noted that with the club already possessing Alejandro Balde and Marcos Alonso, there will be no need to go into the transfer market in search of another left-back to fill the vacuum left by Alba.

Xavi had been keen on giving the youthful Balde chances during his spell as Barcelona manager, with the 19-year-old starting 81% of the Blaugrana’s games in LaLiga this season.

The former Al Sadd coach was also keen on signing Alonso from Chelsea in the summer, an indication that he had plans to use him as a short or long-term replacement for Alba, despite the former Blues full-back often playing at centre-back this season.

Alba’s departure from the club saved Barcelona a fortune in wages and it appears the Blaugrana will rather re-invest that money into other areas of the squad rather than seek a direct replacement.