Ilaix Moriba’s future could be decided before the summer transfer market closes, after Barcelona have received the first informal contact from RB Leipzig.
The German club are yet to submit an official offer, and negotiations will start after a formal approach, as per Mundo Deportivo. The 18-year-old, after failing to reach an agreement with Barcelona over wage issues, is currently out of the first-team roster.
How concrete is the development?
Despite no formal offer has been sent, it is understood that RB Leipzig came knocking before the present scenario regarding the player’s contract. The German club asked about Moriba last season, following the youngster’s sudden rise to Barcelona’s senior team. With two years of contract left, Barcelona did not go ahead with the negotiation back then.
It is understood that the player’s representatives have been negotiating with RB Leipzig for a long time. From Moriba’s spectacle, the career trajectory looks relatively smooth at Leipzig, hence making an official offer likely in the coming days.
Even if Moriba decides to stay at Camp Nou, his chances of playing at the first team are now impossible. Elsewhere, signing for Leipzig will see him get minutes as the German side have been known to give youngsters hefty minutes.
What’s Barcelona’s stance on Moriba’s case?
As things stand, Barcelona have been open to negotiations ever since the player’s representatives failed to meet the last deadline set by the club. Moriba is considered lost and has been omitted from the club’s future plans.
Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman also spoke on the case yesterday at the pre-match press conference. “I am disappointed. At 18, money cannot be that important,” insisted Koeman. Moriba made 14 appearances, including 4 starts under the Dutch manager last season.
How will things go from here on?
Barcelona are now waiting for an official offer after being communicated about the interest. Once a formal approach is made, Barcelona will make no objections to the transfer – agreeing upon a fee should be more than enough for the move to happen.
As for Leipzig, getting a youngster of Moriba’s caliber will bolster the squad, as well as guaranteeing a big-money sale if things go right.
