The agent of a player recently singled out for praise by Barcelona head coach Xavi has today confirmed that he has held talks with the Blaugrana, over a potential deal for his client.
The player in question? Stanislav Lobotka.
Lobotka, for his part, will be a name well known to those of a Barcelona persuasion, after the Slovakian featured from the off in both legs of the club’s recent Champions League Last-16 showdown with Serie A champions Napoli.
Though his side were ultimately sent packing from the competition, the 29-year-old for the most part held his own, keeping things ticking over in tidy fashion in the middle of the park.
As much came after Barcelona boss Xavi, as alluded to above, revealed his admiration for Lobotka earlier this month.
Asked during a press conference which member of Napoli’s squad he would most like to see plying his trade in Catalunya, the Spanish tactician replied:
“Lobotka. I think he has a good enough level to play for a club like Barça.”
Safe to say, then, that all associated with Barcelona will no doubt be interested to hear that the midfielder’s agent recently held discussions with Blaugrana pair Xavi, and Deco.
Speaking to the Slovak media, as cited by TuttoNapoli, on Thursday, Branislav Jarusek confirmed:
“Lobotka would like to play for a club that fights to win the Champions League. He is nearly 30 so if he gets an irrefutable offer, we’ll discuss it with the club.”
“We spoke about it with Deco. Barcelona would sign him, but many things must happen. Stanislav sent me a screenshot of what Xavi said about him. I sent him one showing the many times we spoke about him, because he [Xavi] often asks me about Lobotka.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
