Barcelona plot free agent move for highly-rated 23-year-old Portuguese defender - Reports
Barcelona are reportedly considering a potential free transfer for LOSC Lille Metropole's Tiago Djalo in 2024.
According to SPORT (h/t Barcanewsnetwork.com), the Portuguese center-back doesn't want to renew his deal with the French club, which expires in June next year. He has piqued Barca's interest and is also on the radar of Inter Milan.
Barca's freedom in the transfer market has been severely restricted in recent years due to their well-documented financial problems. They have, as a result of it, resorted to signing players from the free transfer market on several occasions to strengthen or replenish their team.
Ilkay Gundogan, Inigo Martinez, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, and Marcos Alonso are all examples of it during Xavi Hernandez's reign. It remains to be seen if Djalo will be added to the list.
The 23-year-old center-back came through Sporting CP and AC Milan's academies before sealing a move to Lille in 2019. They are the only club he has played for to date at the senior level, making 102 appearances across competitions.
Barcelona, meanwhile, aren't short of quality options on paper in the center-back position. Alongside Martinez and Christensen, Xavi has Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo to choose from, with Alonso also capable of playing there.
Barcelona secure late win thanks to Marc Guiu goal
Barcelona had to wait until the 80th minute to break the deadlock in their La Liga game against Athletic Club at home on 22 October.
The Catalan giants came into the game knowing they could go within one point of Real Madrid on the table after the latter's 1-1 draw against Sevilla. Devoid of options and desperate for a goal, Xavi Hernandez threw on 17-year-old Marc Guiu on the pitch in the 79th minute.
The Spanish center-forward took just a few seconds and three touches of the ball to score on his senior debut for the Catalan giants. Joao Felix played the teenager through on goal, whose finish sneaked past Unai Simon in Athletic Club's goal.
Barca are still third in the table with 24 points from 10 matches but trail Los Blancos by just a solitary point ahead of the Clasico in Catalonia on 28 October. Girona, meanwhile, sit second with 25 points to their name.