The Catalan press are pretty much in agreement that Barcelona are happy to sell Aleix Vidal. The former Sevilla fullback has been a poor transfer for Barcelona, and manager Luis Enrique isn’t overly keen on the player.
Sunderland have been linked in Spain, and on Monday, we covered Spanish claims that Barcelona would be ready to open talks on a deal, accepting a loan ahead of a possible €13m permanent transfer.
That claim came from Sport, but the other Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo have it slightly differently, they’re still holding out for a permanent transfer, presumably in the January transfer window.
The figure used by Mundo Deportivo is €15m, an amount it’s stated Barcelona ‘would not say no’ to, in reality they may well bite the hand off someone offering that.
If Sport were right, and the loan option is available, then that would surely be better for Sunderland, if their interest is genuine.
A clause in any deal to fix the price would help, and Sunderland would be able to try out Aleix Vidal, without any long term financial commitment.
Much will depend on which other clubs are interested, and whilst the player may prefer to play in Spain, wages are likely to be higher in the Premier League.
