The left-back that Abidal wanted for Barcelona?

Photo by Sylvain Lefevre/Getty Images

Faitout Maouassa was the Frenchman’s option, although his signing now seems unlikely.

Eric Abidal, who was let go as technical secretary after Barcelona’s disastrous UEFA Champions League campaign, had a player in his plans for next season: Faitout Maouassa, according to the media.

Junior Firpo was seen as a likely transfer out, meaning the team would need a left-back as soon as possible, and it seems Abidal wanted the Stade Rennais man to take his place.

Maouassa, a French U21 international, has also played as a left midfielder and a left winger.

The backup plan, should the deal for Maouassa fall through, was said to be Rayan Aït-Nouri of Angers. He is also a France U21 international. The nineteen year old Aït-Nouri was three years younger than Maouassa, who is 22.

Abidal was Barcelona’s starting left-back for many years during their glory days under Pep Guardiola.

The report says that Ramon Planes, who is now in charge of Barcelona’s transfers, has relatively little interest in these players. Perhaps the chance for either of them to join the Catalans is slim now.

Source: barcablaugranes.com