Nicolás Tagliafico talks leaving Ajax, says Barcelona rumors are “nothing concrete”

One of the positions Barcelona will look to bring in reinforcements this summer is left-back, after a largely disappointing debut campaign from Junior Firpo and Jordi Alba’s advanced age.

A name constantly mentioned in the Barça rumor mill is Ajax’s Nicolás Tagliafico, a 27-year-old Argentina international who has become a hot property in the market with many clubs linked with his services. Atlético Madrid almost got him last year before settling for Renan Lodi, and Premier League teams are said to be interested.

Now Barcelona seem to be in the running, with Mundo Deportivo recently reporting the club have been in contact with Tagliafico’s agent. Although there is mostly speculation about his future, one thing is clear for the player: he’s ready to leave Ajax for a bigger challenge.

“It was always my goal to play in the best competitions, at a top club. Ajax is a great club, but the Eredivisie is not a great competition. You must always have dreams. The preparations will start in August for around two months. But whether or not I’ll leave... It’s all uncertain.

“I’m trying to think about my condition, to stay fit as possible in case I go to another club. I’m standing on the sidelines. Maybe I’m on [Barcelona’s] list, but there is nothing concrete. You must stay calm. I’m also trying to stay calm. If something happens then I’ll talk with my agent.”

Source: Radio Continental via Goal

Tagliafico is entering his prime and certainly is a very good player, but Barcelona have bigger needs and not a lot of money to work with to address those needs, so we may not see Tagliafico in a Blaugrana shirt next season. But he’s staying calm. Who knows?