The 22-year-old has been a critical performer for Betis since the transfer in which two La Liga opponents pay €6 million each to Atletico Mineiro.
Barca want to activate their option to acquire sole ownership of Emerson
Barcelona are closing in on an agreement for Brazilian full-back Emerson, which the Blaugrana have co-owned with Real Betis since January 2019. The 22-year-old has been a critical performer for Betis since the transfer in which two La Liga opponents pay €6 million each to Atletico Mineiro. Barcelona are now set to activate their option to acquire sole ownership of Emerson for €9 million. “You all know that I have a contract with Barcelona starting June 1,” Emerson said at a press conference during the meeting with the Brazil national team. “It’s a three-year contract, the press is talking about it, and I think Barcelona are getting in touch with Real Betis, and they are counting on me for next season.
Emerson is ready to play for Barcelona
“I am glad that it is the club I have dreamed of playing for since I started in football. To be recognised like that is an important thing for me; every footballer wants to perform for Barcelona. I want to go there and display what I can do and assert myself at my position.” When asked if there was a deal to bring him to the Camp Nou, Emerson added: “I can say that, yes. They always said they were counting on me next campaign. Having this appreciation is a great thing for a football player. These are the fruits of my work, and I’ll be at Barcelona if that’s God’s will.” Barcelona informed Real Betis of their intention to activate their €9 million option on Thursday. The Blaugrana are set to meet with Emerson next week as they seek to finalise the contract.
With Emerson on board and Sergino Dest’s spot at Camp Nou, they have been assured that Barca will now most likely be looking into the sale of Sergi Roberto, whose deal expires next summer. The Brazilian, meanwhile, has been called up to the Brazil national squad for June’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers with Ecuador and Paraguay, replacing the injured Dani Alves.