Barcelona loans Alena to Betis until end of season
Barcelona has sent young midfielder Carles Alena on loan to fellow LaLiga club Real Betis until the end of the season.
Spain Under-21 player Alena started Barca's first league game of the campaign but has struggled for playing time since, featuring only three more times in the top flight.
Speaking this month, head coach Ernesto Valverde admitted he would have liked to have used Alena more often this term given his impressive display against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League.
The 21-year-old, who worked his way through the academy ranks and has made 39 first-team appearances, will now link up with Betis for the second half of 2019-2020.
The six-month loan deal, confirmed on Barcelona's official website, does not include any purchase option.
Alena is in line to make his debut for 13th-place Betis away at Deportivo Alaves on 6 January (AEDT).
Primera DivisiónBellingham becomes El Clasico hero as Madrid wins
03:30
UEFA Champions LeagueMbappe brace lifts PSG past Barcelona in wild tie
01:16
UEFA Champions LeagueXavi urges Barca fans to create cauldron
Primera DivisiónBarcelona secures all three points at Cadiz
03:38
UEFA Champions LeagueBarcelona edges PSG in first leg thriller
Primera DivisiónRaphinha on target as Barca edges past Las Palmas
03:26
UEFA Champions LeagueBarcelona big guns fire to sink Napoli
Primera DivisiónBarca loses duo to injury in Athletic stalemate
Primera DivisiónBarcelona climbs to second wi win over Getafe
03:40
UEFA Champions LeagueNapoli, Barca finish all square
Primera DivisiónVitor Roque nets winner for Barcelona
