Barcelona eye Sergi Altimira for a promising return to Camp Nou

Rob Fleming
6 October 2023

Barcelona are reportedly considering re-signing the talented 22-year-old Spanish defensive midfielder, Sergi Altimira, currently plying his trade at Real Betis.

Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that coach Xavi Hernandez has given the green light for this potential reunion, as Barcelona seek to bolster their squad for the future.

Altimira's football journey has been intertwined with the Catalan giants since his youth days. Born in Cardedeu, he initiated his football education at his hometown club before joining Barcelona's renowned youth academy, La Masia, in 2012. Although he took a detour to CE Sabadell in July 2019, where he turned professional, his Barcelona roots run deep.

The turning point in Altimira's career came in the 2021/22 season when he gained prominence at CE Sabadell. His gradual rise culminated in a move to La Liga outfit Real Betis in the summer transfer window. While he hasn't cemented a permanent spot in the starting line-up for Betis, he has shown promise in the limited opportunities he's had, making three noteworthy appearances.

These performances haven't gone unnoticed, especially by his former club, Barcelona, who are actively searching for a youthful presence in their defensive midfield. The reigning La Liga champions are exploring various options in the transfer market, and Altimira has emerged as a compelling candidate.

While Altimira may not yet be a household name in La Liga, his potential and development over the past few years make him an intriguing prospect for Barcelona. Consequently, it seems prudent for the Catalan giants to consider bringing him back to the Camp Nou, potentially during the 2024 transfer window. Such a move could also provide Barcelona with the opportunity to turn a profit on the talented midfielder, helping alleviate their ongoing financial struggles.

However, it's important to note that Altimira isn't the sole midfielder on Barcelona's radar. Recent reports have linked the club to other defensive midfield prospects, including Gabriel Moscardo and Andrey Santos. This suggests that Barcelona are committed to building a formidable midfield unit for the future, and Altimira is just one piece of the puzzle.

Whether Altimira's journey ultimately leads him back to the Camp Nou remains to be seen, but his development and promise ensure that he will be a name to watch in the world of football.