FC Barcelona have reportedly 'lost' one of their main targets to strengthen the right-back position. The Catalans are looking for a reliable replacement for Jules Koundé in the face of the doubts that Hector Fort still generates, and Tiago Santos appeared as one of the options for the Barça sports management to shore up this area of the pitch.
The Portuguese player landed in Lille just over a year ago in exchange for 6.5 million euros, and since then his value and performance have been on the rise. Currently, the footballer is valued at 15 million euros according to 'Transfermarkt' and is one of the most promising players in his position, so the Catalans thought of signing him as a present and future addition.
Lille 'protects' him until 2029
However, the Santos operation was very 'uphill' for the Catalans. Aware of the valuable asset they have in their ranks, the French team has managed to extend his contract until 2029 despite the torn knee ligaments that forced him to say goodbye to the season.
Once he recovers from this physical setback, and returns to the level he showed before his injury, he will most likely leave a good amount of money in the coffers of the northern team, although, a priori, he will continue for five more seasons in Ligue 1. At Can Barça they will surely keep track of him, although his arrival in Barcelona is increasingly distant.