Barcelona’s pursuit of Filipe Luis makes no sense

Genuine competition for Jordi Alba is needed

Here we are again. On the cusp of another transfer window which has bored the hell out of most of us before it even opened!

Rumour, counter rumour... it’s all very tiresome. One in particular caught my eye though.

Filipe Luis.

I’ve long admired the left-back for his no-nonsense style. Physicality as standard, and supplementary assistance in attack when required.

Certainly a great fit for Atletico Madrid, but for Barca? I don’t see it.

Barcelona have revived their interest in Atletico Madrid's Filipe Luis, we understand ✍

Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/g584bHlxE5

— Goal (@goal) May 30, 2019

If we are to believe any of what’s been written, then there is interest from the Blaugranes in his services. The feeling is mutual, with the Brazilian yet another that appears willing to jump ship.

At this rate, Atleti won’t have a starting XI next season.

At 33 years old, 34 by the time the next domestic campaign begins, he certainly has more than enough experience to not be overawed by a switch to the Camp Nou.

But he can’t really be considered as ‘genuine competition’ for Jordi Alba can he?

Alba himself is the wrong side of his peak years but does at least retain a superior level of fitness which, to this point, has held him in good stead.

You telling me the board rather to sign Filipe Luis instead of Cucurella that's obviously a perfect fit?

— Silvia Gutierrez (@SilviFeuer) May 19, 2019

It therefore begs the question that unless he’s injured, or in the unlikely event Ernesto Valverde is willing to bench him, when exactly will Filipe Luis get a look in?

In Marc Cucurella, a 20-year-old schooled at La Masia, the club have a ready-made challenger for the left-back slot.

A lack of experience can’t really be levelled as an excuse any longer, given the sensational season he’s just had at Eibar.

It’s really a no-brainer as far as I am concerned.

He knows the club and its style, and has trained with most of the first team so there’s no settling in period as such.

16,9 - Only Junior Firpo has averaged more touches in the opposition box (one for each 16,8 total touches) than Marc Cucurella (one for each 16,9) among the #LaLiga right/left backs this season. Purchase pic.twitter.com/SnUc6XkCah

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 27, 2019

With his best years ahead of him and a genuine hunger to improve, he’s a vastly superior candidate to challenge Alba’s dominance of the role.

Currently Eibar’s player, Barca will use their buy-back option but, it’s believed, Cucurella is then likely to be sold on at a profit.

What message is that sending out to the other La Masia graduates? Admittedly, some won’t ever make the grade at Barca, but the ones that do have to be given appropriate opportunities. Especially when there is a genuine need for them to play.

This summer will be a rollercoaster ride for Barça fans. The transfer window of going to be crazy and in the next few hours scenes most likely to be heard over and over again#FCBarcelona #Barca

— Ash (@AshAshrith99) May 28, 2019

Could it be said that Barcelona’s transfer policy has become more about big names rather than focused on what’s actually needed?

I can’t draw any other conclusions because this potential hire, whichever way you look at it, makes no sense.

Source: barcablaugranes.com