Barcelona Rumors: Catalans Identify Another 'Neymar Alternative'

Barcelona has begun its search for a Neymar fallback.

It has become publicly known that Barca has been eyeing to reclaim Neymar, having been thought of as the missing piece in the club’s attempt to regain dominance.

Earlier reports claim that new Barcelona president Joan Laporta has fell “in love” with Bryan Gil, the Sevilla midfielder whom Barca’s veteran scout German “Mani” Vaya Ballabriga touted to become the club’s new Neymar.

But while a deal for Gil has yet to progress, Barcelona has turned its sights to Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal, Spanish outlet Fichajes reported.

With Paris Saint-Germain expected to exhaust everything at its disposal to keep Neymar, the report said that Barcelona has already started looking at other options and has identified Oyarzabal as an alternative.

Barca manager Ronald Koeman has been mixing things up, and the report further noted that the club is planning to sign a player who could strengthen their left flank.

Apparently, Oyarzabal has ticked a lot of boxes as he has become one of the best wingers in the Spanish top flight.

Oyarzabal has registered an impressive 10 goals and seven assists in 28 appearances in La Liga this season.

The 24-year-old functions well as an attacker but has become known for his clinical strategies.

Based on several reports, Oyarzabal is expected to cost around the region of €50 million ($60 million).

Aside from Barcelona, a previous report stated that English Premier League champions Liverpool is also interested in signing Oyarzabal.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is said to be keen on bringing the Real Sociedad vice-captain to Anfield as he is certain the player will “rise considerably” in the English top-flight.

However, a transfer deal might not come easy for either Barcelona or Liverpool as the player’s latest comments suggest that he is not intending to part ways with his current club anytime soon.

According to Oyarzabal, the entire Real Sociedad organization has forged a “feeling of belonging,” which is a very important aspect in the sport.

"It is really important to have a coach who you really understand and who really believes in his players," Oyarzabal told CBS Sports via media call. "It is also really important for the players to believe in the coach. There is no doubt about that whatsoever.”

"With Imanol [Real Sociedad coach], us players and Xabi, the club believes in us and we believe in them,” he added. “It is important because we have this feeling of belonging to the club."