Barcelona are still tracking Brazilian defender Kaiky at Almeria

SPORT CONFIDENTIAL

Barcelona are still tracking Brazilian defender Kaiky at Almeria

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The Catalan club had first refusal on the youngster when he was at Santos

Kaiky Fernandez made his debut at Camp Nou on Saturday... in an Almeria shirt. He played 45 minutes. Barcelona had first refusal on the 18-year-old defender when he left Santos (and still have the same option on promising winger Angelo Gabriel). However, they did not move when Almeria, backed by Saudi Arabian investment, offered €7 million in July.

This summer, when the centre-back was already training under the orders of Rubi at Almeria, Barça met with his agents in Miami during their tour of the United States. They wanted to try and secure another purchase option with a fixed price. Almeria, though, were not prepared to accept as they don't want Kaiky's future to be linked with anyone else.

The movement indicates that Barça still have the youngster on the radar and will monitor his development in LaLiga in the short-term. In the medium-term, he could become an important player for Brazil. His ability on the ball, speed and bravery fit the profile of central defender Barça are always looking for.

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