Miranda has been chosen to join the first team next season
Valverde has picked the young fullback to replace Lucas Digne as back up to first choice Jordi Alba
Juan Miranda will replace Lucas Digne in Barcelona's first team squad following the Frenchman's transfer to Everton. The club has already told the youngster, who is only 18 years old, that he'll be part of Ernesto Valverde's plans this season and will be back up to Jordi Alba.
This Tuesday, Miranda trained with the first team again following the decision to make him part of next season's squad. He'll travel to Tangier for the Spanish Super Cup clash against Sevilla on Sunday 12th August.
Despite not having experience in LaLiga or the Champions League, Miranda has the attributes to cover the role that Digne held last season and has shown that on the US Tour. He's very quick and offers width. One of his strong points is his ability to get up and down the wing, something Valverde values a lot. He also played more than any other academy player, ahead of Riqui Puig and Abel Ruiz. The club believe he's developing well and hope he'll get some minutes with the first team this season.
CUCURELLA wants to resolve his future
Barcelona also informed Marc Cucurella of their decision, as he was the other alternative for Digne's former role. He has plenty of offers on the table and won't be part of the 'B' squad this season. Marc needs to decide what is the best move for his career: a loan or a permanent transfer away. At just 20 years of age he isn't short of admirers and while he might not be in Valverde's plans next season, he could still be playing LaLiga football elsewhere.
