Barcelona Is Reportedly Getting Ready To Make A Move For Watford Winger Yaser Asprilla

Barcelona Is Reportedly Getting Ready To Make A Move For Watford Winger Yaser Asprilla

Barcelona is reportedly showing interest in Watford winger Yaser Asprilla, who has been making waves in the Championship this season. The 20-year-old caught the attention of the Hornets during his time with Envigado in his native Colombia, leading to a €3m (£2.6m) move to Vicarage Road midway through the 2021-22 campaign.

Initially loaned back to his homeland for the rest of the season, Asprilla joined the Watford squad the following summer. He made 39 appearances for the Hornets in the 2022-23 season, with 23 of those coming off the bench in the Championship. Despite limited starting opportunities, he managed one goal and two assists in the second tier.

While he is still vying for a regular starting spot at Watford, Asprilla’s reputation has continued to grow. In the 2023-24 Championship season, he has contributed to 10 goals directly, scoring six times and providing four assists.

The versatile 6ft 1in playmaker, comfortable playing out wide, in the number 10 position, or as a central striker, has recently showcased his scoring prowess with two impressive long-range goals in his last two Championship outings against Norwich City and Rotherham United.

On the international stage, Asprilla made a notable impact at the 2023 Under-20 World Cup, finding the net twice. He has also earned three caps for the senior Colombia side, scoring one goal.

Reports from Sport suggest that Asprilla’s performances at Vicarage Road have caught the attention of Barcelona’s technical staff, who are particularly impressed by his versatility across the forward line.

However, Barcelona could face difficulties in securing Asprilla’s signature as Watford may demand a hefty fee, ranging between €40m (£34.3m) and €50m (£42.9m), in the upcoming transfer window.

It’s reported that Watford aims to replicate the profit they made from Joao Pedro, whom they signed for €11.5m (£9.9m) and later sold to Brighton & Hove Albion for €34.2m (£29.3m) after three years.

Asprilla remains tied to Watford until the conclusion of the 2025-26 season and has amassed a total of 73 appearances for the club, during which he has netted seven goals and provided an equal number of assists.

Barcelona may be in the market for a young attacking talent if Joao Felix’s loan deal from Atletico Madrid does not convert into a permanent transfer. There are purported concerns among Barcelona staff regarding the form of the Portuguese player.

President Joan Laporta recently expressed the club’s desire to retain Felix’s services, although their financial difficulties might hinder their ability to do so. Barcelona is under significant pressure to reduce their wage bill by more than £50m in the upcoming months.

Currently, the reigning La Liga champions occupy the third spot in the standings with 54 points, trailing leaders Real Madrid by eight points. They are scheduled to face Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter on Wednesday.