There's a date for the first meeting between Jordi Alba and Barça

There's a date for the first meeting between Jordi Alba and Barça

Coutinho marcó el primer gol del Barça en el Clásico  / | LALIGA

The two sides have been in contact and will meet next week to discuss the left back's new contract

The negotiations between FC Barcelona and Jordi Alba to renew and improve the player's existing deal are to begin next week. This will signal the first meeting between the two sides when Pep Segura and the player's agent, Vicente Fores, talk face to face.

Alba has a contract with Barça until June 2020 and a buyout clause of €150m. The club have no intention of selling their star full back but the player is a little concerned that it's taken so long to finalise talks over a new deal.

According to SPORT's sources it appears that things are finally moving forward after a series of phone calls between Barça and the player's agent.

The Phone calls

Barça first contacted Alba's representatives last Friday on the phone to let them know their intention was to renew the player's contract. This happened again on Tuesday 20th November when Pep Segura looked to secure a specific date to discuss matters.

Jordi Alba has never hidden his desire to remain at Barcelona. It's also clear that any professional needs to feel comfortable and supported away from the pitch if he is to maintain his level on it.

The left back is the only starter at Barcelona who hasn't signed a fresh contract in recent months. Manchester United, Chelsea and Juventus have all enquired about Alba's availability.

a starter

And it's clear from Barça's side that they don't want to lose Alba, and less so when he's performing so well. He's an undisputed starter for Ernesto Valverde too and he was only given a rest against Leganes, although he did play for 20 minutes, and it was one of the two matches Barça have lost in the league. Alba was also rested for the Copa del Rey match against Cultural Leonesa. In 17 matches he's scored 2 goals and provided 8 assists. 

His incredible connection with Leo Messi has made him a key outlet in attack down the left hand side of Barça's team. His incredible run of performances has also seen him earn a recall to the Spain squad.

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