“The World Cup Winner That Alemany Targeted for Signing Prior to Cancelo”

Mateu Alemany, the former sporting director of Barcelona, had his sights set on a talented target before the emergence of Joao Cancelo’s option, and this player’s profile certainly garnered attention from football aficionados, including none other than Lionel Messi himself.

Reports from Marca, as shared by Isaac Suarez, reveal that Alemany was keen on securing the services of Nahuel Molina prior to considering Joao Cancelo. Molina, a highly regarded right-back, piqued the interest of Alemany and the Barcelona hierarchy. However, their intentions to make a compelling offer were met with a stark realization that prying Molina away from Atletico Madrid would be a formidable challenge.

Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid’s esteemed manager, views Molina as an indispensable asset to his squad, a player whose contributions transcend mere statistics. Despite Molina’s status as a vital figure within the team, reports suggest that his salary does not necessarily align with his pivotal role.

The interest in Molina extended beyond Barcelona, as Bayern Munich and Juventus also contemplated signing the Argentine talent during the previous summer transfer window. Despite the allure of these European giants, Molina ultimately remained with Atletico Madrid, where he continues to leave his mark.

Notably, Molina played a significant role in Argentina’s triumphant World Cup campaign, contributing to the nation’s success on the grandest stage of international football. It was Molina who found the back of the net from an exquisite assist by none other than Lionel Messi in a crucial quarterfinal match against the Netherlands.

On the club front, the 25-year-old right-back has undergone a remarkable transformation and showcased significant improvement in his performances over the past year. His journey from Atletico Madrid to a potential move to Barcelona and the interest from Bayern Munich and Juventus exemplifies the highly competitive and fluid nature of the football transfer market. While Joao Cancelo eventually donned the Barcelona colors, Nahuel Molina’s name continues to be associated with a promising and eventful career that spans both club and international success.