‘I am disappointed’ - Ajax star opens up on failed Barcelona transfer

The Blaugrana opened talks with Ajax about a transfer for Nicolas Tagliafico in January, but nothing happened in the end.

Ajax full-back Nicolas Tagliafico has confessed his disappointment about his failed move to Barcelona in January.

The 29-year-old Argentinian urged Ajax to allow him to join the Catalan giants once he became aware of their interest, reportedly branding the move as ‘the chance of his life’.

Barcelona considered Tagliafico as an option to strengthen their left-back options. While Jordi Alba is still the undisputed first-choice for the role, the Catalan will turn 33 in March. 18-year-old Alejandro Balde, on the other hand, is still rather inexperienced.

But in the end, Barcelona made no formal offer to Ajax. They instead settled on three new attackers – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres, and Adama Traore – and a new right-back in Dani Alves.

Overmars: "Tagliafico's situation? It was very difficult. If Barcelona wants to take a player on loan then we need to have a replacement in line as well. Of course it's sad for him. Barcelona still has a fantastic name, and he's a fantastic player. But it just didn't work out." pic.twitter.com/1SXKjE66aj

— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) February 1, 2022

‘It was a dream opportunity’

In an interview with Diario AS, Tagliafico has now revealed his side of the story and how he felt about the failed transfer saga.

“They understood me, they have their motives but it’s a shame,” he said.

“I feel that opportunities can’t be missed. It is a unique opportunity to go to a club like Barca. For me, it was a dream opportunity and they could not help me in the end.

“There wasn’t clarity from the start. There was also no clarity to tell me from the beginning that they would not help me.

“I am disappointed because I have the feeling that my professionalism has damaged me.”

Tagliafico has one year left on his Ajax contract ahead of this summer’s transfer window.