KEY POINTS

  • Nelson Semedo will be leaving Barcelona for the Wolves
  • Barca is looking at Norwich’s Max Aarons as a replacement
  • Aarons value is estimated at around $25.5 million

Discussions between Barcelona and Norwich continue with the possibility of Max Aarons signing with the Camp Nou-based squad. This comes after Norwich’s rejection of Barcelona’s offer to acquire Aarons on loan.

It’s expected that Norwich will accept the loan offer provided if there’s an obligation to buy, as reported by The Guardian. The value of this fee is estimated to be at $25.41 million.

The interest of Barcelona to get Aarons is due to their incoming sale of Nelson Semedo to the Wolves. Selling the defender will open up a slot in the team’s roster and would require a replacement.

"Thank you very much Barcelona for giving me the opportunity to live the dream of wearing this shirt, of playing in Camp Nou, of learning and enjoying the best in the world," Semedo wrote on his Instagram, as reported by Goal.

One option that Barca is considering is Ajax’s Sergiño Dest but he has been linked to several clubs, including Bayern Munich. Securing Aarons is a worthy alternative Barcelona is willing to take if they fail to get Dest.

Speed and agility on the field are one of Aarons’ strengths that can fit in well with Barcelona’s roster. Given the rebuilding phase that Barca is in now, having someone of Aarons’ caliber may benefit the club in the long run. Scouted as an excellent dribbler and passer, securing the 20-year-old will be a strong addition to Barcelona’s lineup.

With Lionel Messi staying with the team, Aarons can use this experience to hone his skills as a player. The time spent with an elite player such as the six-time Ballon d’Or winner will give Aarons the opportunity to learn even further as a professional football player.

Throughout Aarons’ career, he’s already made 36 Premier League appearances for Norwich. The defender started in all of those matches and tallied 90 minutes per performance. For most of his career, he has been fielded as a right-back where he has played in a total of 121 games.

Despite showing promise, there are also several other skills Aarons may need improvements such as his crossing and aerial game. Provided that he will be placed in the correct environment, he can improve on these attributes to make him a more complete player in the future.

Nelson Semedo of FC Barcelona
Nelson Semedo of FC Barcelona Getty Images | Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images