Spanish left-back Jose Angel, better known as Cote, has revealed in a recent interview that FC Barcelona tried to sign him in 2011, during Pep Guardiola’s golden era. 

The 2010/11 season marked a major turning point in Cote’s career, as his performances for Sporting de Gijon attracted interest from several top European clubs, including the reigning European champions at the time.

Barcelona, fresh off winning the UEFA Champions League title, were in the market for reinforcements. 

Cote was identified as a strong candidate to strengthen the left flank. However, the deal never materialised, and more than a decade later, the defender has now explained why.

Disagreement over payment terms

Speaking on the BarberClab YouTube channel (h/t SPORT), the 35-year-old revealed that the proposed move collapsed due to financial disagreements between Barcelona and Sporting. 

Jose Angel was wanted by Barcelona. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

“I didn’t go to Barça because Sporting asked for an amount and Barcelona wanted to pay it in instalments. Sporting, however, wanted the full fee upfront,” Cote explained.

He further revealed that Barcelona had suggested adding performance-based clauses, such as extra payments if the team won La Liga or the Champions League. 

From Sporting’s perspective, these terms added uncertainty. “Sporting were thinking—what if Barça don’t win anything?” he said.

Despite the failed move, Cote made it clear that he would have signed for Barça without hesitation had the two clubs agreed on terms. “I would have gone to Barcelona. It was a great team,” he stated.

Eventually, Sporting accepted an offer from AS Roma worth €4.5 million, more than double Barça’s €2 million plus variables proposal. At Roma, Cote worked under a young Luis Enrique, who was just beginning his managerial journey.

Although the Barcelona chapter never opened for Cote, his career took him across several clubs in Spain and Italy, leaving behind a legacy of consistency and professionalism.

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