The truth about Barça's interest in Valencia midfielder Carlos Soler
Soler is not currently a priority but there have been talks
If De Jong leave and Silva doesn't come, he could be an option
Barcelona are waiting to reach an agreement for the transfer of Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United and will use that money to strengthen the team. One of the names on the table is the Valencia midfielder Carlos Soler. He fits because he is an interior midfielder, a competitive footballer and the operation would not be too expensive.
Soler is ready to sign, but Barça have decided, for the moment, not to make a move for the Valencia man because he is not a priority signing. Both Xavi and the signing committee are clear that Bernardo Silva is the top target in midfield, but the summer is long and Soler is an alternative.
Contact between Barça and Soler started before the season ended. Barça had decided to listen to offers for De Jong and look for replacements. Soler's profile was of interest and they sounded out his camp, knowing that he was into the final year of his contract at Mestalla.
Later, the former Valencia president Anil Murthy travelled to Barcelona to hold talks about not just Soler, but also left-back Jose Luis Gaya, although the numbers were implausible from Barça's point of view.
The Blaugrana know how much a deal would cost and, even, the players who could be used to bring the price down in a part exchange deal. But they have decided not to push on with the signing and the player knows it is currently unlikely that he begins the season at Camp Nou. In fact, he is studying offers from Atletico Madrid and abroad as well.
Summer will be long and Barça's plans could change because other targets are very expensive and there are no guarantees. At the moment, Soler is not a priority, but that could change in a few weeks if no one else arrives.
