Alena was close to loan move to Real Betis - report

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A late deal for the midfielder fell through

Barcelona midfielder Carles Alena reportedly came close to a late loan move to Real Betis during the summer transfer window.

The 21-year-old is believed to have agreed to make the switch near the close of the transfer window but the deal ultimately fell through, according to Canal Sur Radio.

Apparently, the move broke down because of uncertainty over midfielder Ivan Rakitic’s future, with the Croatian also linked with a late move away from the Camp Nou.

Alena has had a pretty tough time at the start of the season. He was a surprise inclusion in Ernesto Valverde’s XI for the opener against Athletic Bilbao but was hooked at half-time.

He failed to even make the Barcelona squad for their subsequent games against Real Betis and Osasuna despite the team being without several key players due to injury.

Alena has been on international duty with the Spain Under-21 side this week. He missed a penalty in Friday’s 1-0 win over Kazakhstan but could be involved again on Tuesday when they take on Montenegro.

Source: barcablaugranes.com