Central defence is one area of the pitch that Barcelona need to address in the summer transfer window, as Deco looks to improve the options Hansi Flick has at his disposal.
At times last season, this was the one position holding the team back from reaching the next level, despite the excellent form of Pau Cubarsi.
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Thus, signing a partner for the Spanish teenager has to be a priority for the Catalan club, and one name on their radar is 19-year-old Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas.
According to Oskar Garcia on Jijantes, Newcastle, Bologna, PSG, Eintracht Frankfurt and effectively half of Europe are interested, but the feeling from the player’s side is that he will go to Barça.
He said, “Newcastle, Bologna, PSG, Eintracht… half of Europe wants him. But from the club, they think he will go to Barça.
The clause situation is an important part of the story. Garcia explained that there is debate around the amount of the release clause, but that, theoretically, it stands at €8 million until 30 June.
“The interpretation of his clause is dividing people. Theoretically, until June 30th, it’s €8 million,” he said.
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It was revealed earlier that Barcelona were ahead of Atletico Madrid in the race for the teenage central defender.
A profile Barça have studied closely
Salinas is interesting because he is not just another young defender with potential.
He has already shown his quality, registering seven assists for Racing Santander this season while also offering defensive versatility.
The understanding is that he resembles Inigo Martinez more than Pau Cubarsi. That kind of profile matters. Barcelona need defenders who can do more than defend the box.
They have to pass under pressure, cover space and understand when to step forward in a high line.
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A smart move if the price holds
From Barça’s perspective, the appeal is obvious. If the clause can genuinely be activated at around €8 million before 30 June, this is the kind of operation the club should be aggressive about.
Jorge Salinas is on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Barcelona cannot solve every squad issue with expensive signings. The best version of the club’s transfer policy is finding players before they explode, especially Spanish talents who can adapt quickly to the league and the style.
Still, Barça must be careful with the plan for him. Salinas would arrive as a development signing, not someone who should immediately carry the defence.
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The competition from Newcastle, PSG and others shows why speed matters. If Barça delay too long, a realistic deal could turn into a much more complicated bidding war.
This seems to be a market opportunity Barça should be all over. It remains to be seen whether they go ahead and sign the teenager before the end of this month.
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