Barcelona forced into tough decision as former youth team star with buyback clause begins to spark transfer noise | OneFootball

One of the many young Barcelona talents who left the club in the summer was Jan Virgili, who, despite being on Hansi Flick’s radar, did not earn a direct place in his plans.

He joined Mallorca for a fee of €3.5 million in what turned out to be a bargain for them. After all, he has been in fine form this season for them.

Virgili has already racked up five starts and eight appearances for Mallorca in La Liga and averages 57 minutes per game, earning the tag of a mainstay. He has provided two assists and created five big chances in that duration.

An uncertain future

As it stands, all parties are gaining from Virgili’s time away from Barcelona.

For Mallorca, the player is delivering at a level far beyond what they invested in, while Barcelona will be pleased with his development and improved market value as they retain 50% of the player’s rights and thus any future transfer fee.

Given Mallorca’s situation in La Liga, however, SPORT confirm that the youngster is not expected to leave them in the winter transfer market despite having attractive proposals at his doorstep.

Barcelona are in no hurry to make a decision regarding Jan Virgili. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

He will continue to help them fight for survival and stay afloat in the top division, but his departure in the summer is almost taken for granted.

Several top European clubs have already taken notice of Virgili’s talent and are looking to swoop him up at the earliest.

While the player wishes to return to Catalonia and make his name, that appears unlikely given Barcelona’s economic situation.

At a time when the club are in need of registering income, 50% of the speculated €12 million Mallorca will make with his departure is a massive amount.

Should Barcelona opt to use their right of first refusal, they will have to shell out an additional €3 million in addition to mathematically losing the fee they made through his departure. The situation, thus, is complicated.