The Spanish star Alberto Botia could find his way back to Barcelona FC. "Mundo Deportivo" newspaper had revealed that the Catalan club intends to sign its former center-back, who plays currently for the Saudi club Al Wehda, to reinforce its defense line next season.
The talented Manchester City's Eric Garcia, 19, was Barcelona's main target. However, the Catalan club, which suffers from a financial crisis, was unable to provide the required amount to sign him from City, "30 million Euros", and preferred to hire a cheap defender, Until Garcia (19 years old) arrives next summer for free, according to Alarabiya Saudi website.
Among Barcelona's list was the veteran Brazilian defender Thiago Silva (33 years), but the latter signed with Chelsea of London for a season with the possibility of an extension for another season.
Arsenal's David Luiz, Juventus' Danilo Rugani and Musacchio of Milan, where among Barca's options but their names have been rejected.
Barcelona then turned to Alberto Botia, who had managed, along with his teammates in Al Wehda, to qualify for the next AFC Champions League for the first time in the Saudi club’s history.
Botia played at the end of the last decade with Barcelona under the Pep Guardiola's leadership, before moving to several teams such as Greek Olympiacos, and Saudi's Hilal in the 2018-2019 season before moving to Al Wehda last summer.
He played 26 matches in the Mohamed Bin Salman Professionals Cup last season, during which he scored one goal.
Botia is a tall and strong defender who rarely makes mistakes and is more than capable of defending set pieces. With Barcelona’s need for a center-back, many wonder why the club has not inquired earlier about bringing the 31-year-old back to the club.
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