Barcelona goalkeeper Aron Yaakobishvili is closing in on a move to Almeria, with his absence from the squad travelling to Basel providing a strong indication that the transfer is nearing completion.
According to an update from Gerard Romero , the young Hungarian goalkeeper will not make the trip with Hansi Flick's squad because negotiations over his departure are now close to being finalised.
The development marks a change in Barcelona's plans for the 20-year-old.
Only a few weeks ago, Yaakobishvili appeared to be a serious candidate to remain with the first team as Barcelona's third-choice goalkeeper behind Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny.
The club was reluctant to send him out on loan despite interest from Racing Santander.
However, Almeria have now emerged as the leading destination, and the Aron Yaakobishvili transfer could be completed soon.
Yaakobishvili has been involved with Barcelona's senior squad throughout pre-season.
Yaakobishvili is set to leave for Almeria. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
The Hungarian goalkeeper has trained and worked under Flick, receiving opportunities to show his quality as the Barcelona manager assessed his options ahead of the new campaign.
That involvement had strengthened the possibility of Yaakobishvili staying at the club.
Barcelona need a goalkeeper capable of filling the third spot in the squad behind Joan Garcia and Szczesny, and the 20-year-old appeared to be well placed for that role.
His previous season on loan at Andorra had also given him valuable first-team experience, making him an increasingly interesting option for the future.
At one stage, Racing Santander were reported to be interested in signing the goalkeeper on loan.
Barcelona, though, did not appear keen on that possibility because Yaakobishvili was viewed as a player with a place in the club's longer-term plans.
Barcelona have changed their plans with Aron Yaakobishvili. (Picture credit: X/@fcandorra)
The situation has since changed, and the fact that Yaakobishvili will remain behind while Barcelona travel to face Basel is directly connected to his expected transfer to Almeria.
The Barcelona transfer involving Yaakobishvili could also bring in a useful fee for the club.
As reported before, Barcelona could receive between €2 million and €3 million for Yaakobishvili, although the final details of the deal are yet to be confirmed.
Despite being trusted to train with Flick's first team during pre-season, Barcelona now seem prepared to allow him to continue his development elsewhere rather than keeping him as a third-choice option with limited playing opportunities.
Almeria have moved ahead of the other possibilities and are currently the most advanced option for the Hungarian goalkeeper.
Unless there is a late change in negotiations, the deal looks set to move forward.
