IN SPORT.ES
Barcelona want to keep Emerson Royal next season, according to the Brazilian journalist Marcelo Bechler.
Barça must pay Betis nine million euros if they want to bring the right-back back to the club when the current campaign ends.
However, a big offer from elsewhere could then tempt Barça to sell the defender on again.
That's seen as unlikely, though, as the figures involved would have to be really high because, according to Bechler, Barça and Betis would have to share the transfer fee.
Therefore, Emerson could finally be part of the Barça first-team squad next season, where he would provide competition for Sergiño Dest and Sergi Roberto at right-back.
He could even play as the right-sided centre-back if Ronald Koeman persists with the 3-5-2 formation that's propelled Barça back into the title race.