Ajax defender and reported Newcastle United target Nicolas Tagliafico has admitted that he wants to sign for FC Barcelona this summer after a January transfer collapsed earlier this year.
Speaking to TNT Sport, the Argentine international openly admitted that he is eager to join the La Liga giants at the end of this season, with Tagliafico set to leave Ajax amid interest from both Barcelona and Premier League clubs, namely Newcastle.
The Daily Mail reported in January that Tagliafico was on Newcastle’s radar as the Toon eyed a new left-back signing in January. However, with Barcelona, at the time, looking set to sign the defender, Eddie Howe’s side landed on Matt Targett from Aston Villa.
Indeed, whilst Targett could sign for Newcastle on a permanent deal, more quality is needed in the left-back position, with Tagliafico an ideal player for the Premier League side to sign this summer. Yet Barcelona now look set to land the defender.
The 29-year-old is set for a move away from Amsterdam this window, and when asked about a move to Barcelona, Tagliafico sounded positive that a transfer could happen in the summer if discussions once again take place.
The defender said when asked about a move to Catalonia this summer: “There was interest from Barcelona. The clubs spoke, but they did not agree. The deal was complicated for the club in January, but I think that now, in June, it will be easier.”
Newcastle’s hopes of signing Tagliafico next to zero after Barcelona comments
Tagliafico was always going to be an ambitious signing for Newcastle, yet following these latest comments from the defender amid Barcelona’s interest, the Toon now seemingly have next to no chance of landing the fullback.
Barcelona are one of the biggest clubs in the world and look to be getting their groove back under Xavi Hernandez, and the project for Tagliafico is seemingly more tempting than Newcastle’s despite the strides made by Howe in recent months.
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