Liverpool fullback Alberto Moreno has been surprisingly linked with a move to La Liga side Barcelona. According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana have identified him as a potential replacement for current fullback Jordi Alba. The latter’s contract talks with Barcelona have broken down.
Jose Luis Gaya is another player under consideration according to the same report but considering Moreno could be available for a cut-price fee, he could be a better option for the Catalans.
Moreno’s contract expires next summer which means Liverpool will want to get rid of him in the January transfer window to squeeze a bit of money from his sale and potentially sign an alternative.
Why the club should sell Moreno
After showing plenty of promise early on during his Liverpool career, Moreno has struggled to keep up with the pace of the game. Though he had a reputation of being an attack-minded fullback, some of his mistakes were unforgivable as Liverpool lost quite a few points with him playing as the left-back.
Jürgen Klopp persisted with him, and even after a disastrous UEFA Europa League final, Moreno was back in contention a year later and started a few games as the left-back. However, an untimely injury game Andy Robertson his chance and the Scot hasn’t looked back ever since.
Liverpool’s style suits Moreno while going forward, much like Barca’s, but it doesn’t seem like Moreno has improved defensively.
At 26, he still has the time on his shoulders but Liverpool simply cannot afford to wait anymore. Moreno has had his chance and it doesn’t seem like the club will get anywhere if they persist with the Spaniard.
The former Sevilla man started against Chelsea almost a fortnight ago in the Carabao Cup and put in a disappointing display as he was once again found out of position quite a few times.
He could do well at Barcelona
Jordi Alba is one of the best fullbacks in the Spanish league, but if he leaves, Moreno could be a suitable replacement. The Fullbacks have always been a key ingredient in the team’s style, and Moreno’s overlaps could match those of Alba.
The team has plenty of creativity down the middle, and even Messi tends to drop deep and ping passes for the likes of Alba and Semedo as the side stretch play and break down teams.
If there’s anything Moreno succeeds at, then it’s his attacking ability as he was a winger previously at Sevilla under Unai Emery, so maybe it could be a good move for all parties.