La Liga defensive prospect only wants Barcelona despite interest from Manchester United | OneFootball

Jorge Salinas has returned to training with Racing Santander, but his future remains far from settled as FC Barcelona continue their efforts to sign the highly rated left-back before the transfer window closes.

The Spain Under-19 international rejoined Jose Alberto’s squad on Monday after a summer dominated by transfer speculation, although his return does not rule out a move in the coming weeks.

The 19-year-old defender has been courting interest not only from Barcelona, with Premier League giants Manchester United also entering the race recently.

Atletico Madrid also remain attentive after expressing interest earlier in the summer.

Salinas only wants Barcelona

However, despite the growing interest, Salinas has a clear preference.

Indeed, according to SPORT, the young full-back only wants to join Barcelona and has informed those close to him that wearing the Blaugrana shirt is his priority.

Jorge Salinas only wants Barcelona. (Picture credit: Instagram/@jorgesaliiinas)

He believes Hansi Flick’s project and Barcelona’s commitment to developing young players provide the ideal environment for his continued growth, and he is prepared to wait while the clubs attempt to reach an agreement.

Negotiations at a standstill

As such, Barcelona remain one of the clubs best placed to sign Salinas, but negotiations remain at a standstill because of Racing’s valuation.

The newly-promoted La Liga club have made their position clear: they will only sell if a club activates the defender’s €16 million release clause.

The Blaugrana admire the 19-year-old’s profile and believe he has the potential to become both an immediate and long-term option at left-back, but they are unwilling to meet the clause in full.

Searching for a compromise

Rather than paying the full amount, Barcelona are exploring alternative structures to complete the transfer.

Previous reports have suggested the Catalan club proposed a package worth €6 million upfront, €2 million in performance-related bonuses, plus the loan of a Barça Atletic player.

Jorge Salinas is back training at Racing. (Picture credit: Instagram/@jorgesaliiinas)

So far, Racing have rejected that proposal and continue to insist on the release clause.

For now, Salinas has resumed pre-season with Racing without any disruption.

Represented by Jorge Mendes, the defender is keen to resolve his future respectfully and has no intention of creating conflict with the club where he remains under contract until 2029.

With nearly a month remaining before the transfer window closes, Barcelona have not abandoned the pursuit.

The La Liga champions continue to view Salinas as a strategic signing, but any breakthrough will depend on Racing softening their stance or both sides finding a creative formula that satisfies everyone involved.