Confirmed: Barcelona secure the future of 16-year-old La Masia defensive gem | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have secured the future of one of the club’s brightest academy prospects as they have renewed the contract of Roc Martinez.

The 16-year-old La Masia defender, whose previous deal had been due to expire, has committed his future to the club and will move up to the youth ranks next season after completing his time with the Cadete A side.

“Player Roc Martinez has signed his continuation with the Club in the youth stage,” the club statement read.

“Thanks, Martinez-Perez family, for trusting La Masia for your son’s training as a player and a person,” Barça further added.

A promising talent

Martinez joined Barcelona in 2017 from EF Ripolles. Since then, he has progressed through every stage of La Masia and is now preparing for his tenth consecutive season wearing the Barcelona shirt.

The 16-year-old prodigy has established himself as one of the most highly regarded defenders of his generation coming through the academy.

Martinez is primarily a centre-back, although during has also been used regularly as a defensive midfielder in recent times thanks to his dominance in duels and comfort in playing out from the back.

The young defender has represented Spain’s Under-16 national team, further strengthening his reputation as one of the country’s most promising central defenders in his age group.

With his contract signing, Martinez is now expected to move to the Juvenil B side permanently from next season.

By renewing him, Barcelona have shown that they see the young defender as one of the academy players capable of building a long-term future at the club.