Reports | Barcelona double their efforts to sign Real Betis star Junior Firpo

According to Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona have improved their efforts to sign Real Betis left-back Junior Firpo. They consider the talented Spaniard as the primary option to provide competition to Jordi Alba this season. Following the La Liga's assembly last Wednesday, the Blaugrana approached Real Betis’ representatives in order to get a deal done as soon as possible.

But negotiations have kept on going with the two sides unable to reach a suitable agreement for both sides.  It is believed that negotiations between the Spanish champions and the player are not an issue, but the fact is that the clubs are still far away in terms of a transfer fee. Junior Firpo has a €50 million release clause, but that was never the asking price for the player.

Real Betis started with a €20 million fee plus €7 million in variables, with FC Barcelona only offering €18 million-plus €5 million in variables. The Verdiblancos increased their demands to a fixed asking price of €25 million, weakening the negotiations between the clubs. The Blaugrana are not giving up and it is expected that the clubs continue the negotiations. 

Junior Firpo had a breakthrough 2018/19 season, securing a spot in Betis first team. The Spanish U21 international made 29 appearances, with 3 goals and 5 assists across all competitions. That saw him linked with a move to Barcelona and Premier League giants Liverpool but no move has materialized as of yet.