Barcelona interested in 18-year-old Spanish midfield prospect – report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have been active in the ongoing transfer window, but not to strengthen the first-team squad – with Joao Cancelo being the only signing.

Instead, the focus has been on beefing up the reserve and youth team ranks, with a number of signings being made with an eye on the future.

Hamza Abdelkarim is all set to sign from Al Ahly, while other talents, such as Ajay Tavares and Patricio Pacifico, are also expected to arrive.

Barcelona set sights on Sergio Martinez

Now, according to AS, Barcelona also have their sights set on a possible move for Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Martinez.

Indeed, the 18-year-old midfield prospect is on the radar of the Blaugrana as well as their La Liga rivals Villarreal.

As per the report, both clubs are prepared to submit a loan offer with an option to buy to the Cantabrian club in order to place him with their reserve teams.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cantera | Real Racing Club (@racingcantera)

Barça Atletic currently compete in RFEF Segunda Division, while Villarreal B play in RFEF Primera Division.

Meanwhile, teams from outside Spain, such as Hoffenheim, Red Bull Salzburg and Club Brugge, are also interested in the teenage prospect.

So far this term, Sergio has made ten first-team appearances for Racing, registering one assist in the process.

The youngster signed a new contract with the second-division club last November, committing to the club until 2029, with the deal containing a €3 million release clause.

Whether Barcelona make a move for the young midfielder, amid a slew of departures from the reserve team, or not remains to be seen.