FC Schalke 04: Barcelona to terminate Juan Miranda loan in winter?

FC Barcelona have made it no secret they are frustrated with Juan Miranda’s lack of playing time at FC Schalke 04 this season, and they are reportedly ready to terminate his loan in winter.

FC Schalke 04 are reportedly looking to acquire a striker on loan this winter in order to make a push for the Bundesliga title in the Ruckrunde, but they may lose a talented player whom they have already received on loan.

Juan Miranda is a promising left back prospect from FC Barcelona, but the Spanish international has not played a single minute for the Royal Blues this season. David Wagner hasn’t given Miranda any playing time in either the Bundesliga or DFB Pokal, which is troubling for a player of Miranda’s caliber.

Schalke have one of the Bundesliga’s best left backs in Bastian Oczipka, who has been excellent this season defensively and is known as one of the league’s best crossers. There simply hasn’t been a place for Miranda, especially since Oczipka doesn’t need much rest with the Royal Blues not playing in European football this year.

But Barcelona are understandably frustrated by Miranda’s lack of playing time; it’s not benefiting his development at all. Mundo Deportivo’s Miguel Rico reports that Barca are prepared to terminate Miranda’s loan deal this winter and instead send him to the Dutch Eredivisie, where FC Utrecht look like an option. At Utrecht, Miranda would get regular playing time, which could help Barcelona identify if he can be Jordi Alba’s successor at left back.

As for Schalke, they would have no qualms with ending Miranda’s loan. Though he’s a great backup option for Oczipka if anything were to happen to the former Eintracht Frankfurt man, Miranda has received no playing time and rather than fight Barca – further risking their relationship – Wagner and the Royal Blues will simply allow La Blaugrana to take their prospect back this winter.