Chelsea and Manchester City dealt with a heavy blow as Ilaix Moriba might be signing a contract extension with his current club, FC Barcelona. The 18-year-old midfielder has been on the wishlist of many clubs from the Premier League.
Although Barca are trying their best to convince him for a contract extension, mostly his intent would be to stay at his current club. Moriba rose through the ranks starting from the Catalan club’s youth academy ‘La Masia’.
However, he is not included in the Barcelona squad that faces Stuttgart in the club’s third pre-season match. His contract would be expiring next year and if the club succeeds in a contract extension, he could get three years more at the club.
The transfer deal getting more and more difficult for Chelsea, City and United
Ilaix Moriba is currently a Barca B player. However, Ronald Koeman highly appreciated his quality in the midfield. As a result, he made it to the senior team this season.
He made 18 appearances scoring a goal and assisting three times. His no-nonsense style of defending has also earned a lot of respect from clubs across the world. Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United were the clubs who were leading the race to sign him.
However, as per Goal, his current club is reaching an agreement with regards to the contract extension. Although the club is going through a lot of big debts, the Spanish heavyweights are hesitant to let Moriba leave the club.
Before the match against Paris Saint Germain, his performance was at the peak level. And, Koeman was impressed by his stunning performance. He said,
“Every time he comes into the team he gives the team something extra, because of his personality, his energy, most of all he’s good with the ball, and physically he’s a strong boy. He’s gaining ground and showing he can be more with the first team.
For the North London club, he would be a long-term replacement for Mateo Kovacic. Whereas for Pep Guardiola, he would be another much-needed youngster.
Will he create history in Spain or will he opt for a bigger challenge – the Premier League?
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