Barcelona have confirmed midfielder Carles Alena joined Getafe on loan until the end of the season.
Alena has barely played for Barca so far this season, making just five appearances in all competitions. Youth product Masia was loaned to Real Betis last season, where he featured prominently, and is hoping for a similar fate with Getafe.
The Catalan club have confirmed their departure via a statement published on their website, which reads: “FC Barcelona and Getafe CF have reached an agreement for the loan of player Carles Alena until the end of the 2020 season / 21. The Madrid club will take from the player’s salary. “
Getafe are hopeful that their new signing can help them withdraw from La Liga relegation venues. After finishing eighth last season, Jose Bordalas’ side have struggled this time around and are currently 16th, just one point above the drop zone after coming in a game over 18th place. Elche.
Ronald Koeman is hopeful that Alena’s departure won’t be Barca’s only gesture this month.
He recently lobbied the club to sign a forward, with Antoine Griezmann and Martin Braithwaite struggling to fill the void left by Luis Suarez’s summer exit. However, that can be difficult as Barcelona are in financial disarray off the pitch and presidential elections loom at the end of the month.
Things haven’t been much better on the pitch either. The Blaugrana have had a dismal start to the season and currently sit fifth in La Liga, ten points behind leaders Atletico Madrid. They also finished second in their Champions League group, which means they face a tricky encounter with last year’s finalists Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
