14 June 2023 , 10:18
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Jordi Alba is considering a shock move to the Premier League after his departure from Barcelona was confirmed last month.
Alba, 34, agreed to mutually terminate his contract a year early, having struggled for regular game time under Xavi Hernandez this season. The left-back, who joined Barcelona from Valencia in 2012, started just four of their final 15 LaLiga matches, with Alejandro Balde often taking his place.
He has since been linked with a surprise switch to England, while Inter Miami are also supposedly interested in Alba. And the Spain international would not be against making the move to the Premier League.
He told the Daily Mail: "I never have thought about anything beyond LaLiga before because I was always so focused on Barcelona. But of course you see the Premier League, the atmosphere there.
"I talk to a lot of people from the national team who played in both leagues [Spanish and English] and they say that it’s special and I always had that idea that one day maybe… but I don’t know.
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"I’m excited to still be in the national team and I want to stay in it for as long as the coach thinks it’s the right thing," he added. "As for a club, now I have to look for the best offer."
Alba has been tipped join former teammate Lionel Messi out in Miami after the Argentina international left Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his contract. The duo were close friends at Barcelona and could be reunited, with Inter Miami the favourites to hand Alba’s signature this summer.
Aston Villa may have been an option for Alba, who worked with now-boss Unai Emery at Valencia. However, the arrival of Alex Moreno in January could have scuppered that move. Alba has also been approached by Atletico Madrid as they look to keep the defender in Spain, but Inter Milan and clubs in Saudi Arabia are also on the lookout.
Jordi Alba will leave Barcelona this summer (Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Any decision from Alba will be made after the upcoming UEFA Nations League finals in the Netherlands, where the defender is part of the Spain squad who will meet Italy in the semi-final. It's not that simple to sign Alba though, as MLS operates under strict designated player rules.
Formal negotiations are yet to take place, and no offer has been tabled as Miami are waiting to hear if Alba is serious first. Miami must work out how to construct their three DP spots if they are to build a stunning team in MLS.
Messi made the big-money move to Miami last week. And former Argentina star Carlos Tevez, who believes that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has made the right decision. "He loves Miami. It’s a peace of mind for him and his family," Tevez told ESPN.
"I think what he did was the right thing to do. And if it wasn’t Barcelona, where he knew he would once again become the centre of attraction, it was nothing in Europe. The decision was made very well."