Barcelona planning to re-sign former youth player for economic gain – report | OneFootball

Barcelona have big things planned for the summer ahead, as evidenced by their acquisition of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.

But in order to make more signings, Barça must maximise their revenue through fresh sales and player departures.

While there are already multiple fringe players who could leave this summer, Barcelona are keeping their options open and are not averse to bringing back a former player just to sell them at a higher price.

Barcelona consider re-signing Jan Virgili

Virgili has had a strong season at Mallorca. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

According to Diario SPORT, one such player is Jan Virgili of the recently-relegated RCD Mallorca.

Barcelona sold the 19-year-old winger to Mallorca last summer for €3.5 million, but Mallorca’s relegation to the Segunda Division has triggered a significant drop in his release clause, from €30 million to €12 million.

Due to clauses included in the original transfer agreement, Barcelona can buy him back for just €7.2 million, at a time when his market value is estimated to be close to €15 million.

That gap between buy-back cost and market value is precisely what has caught Barcelona’s attention.

The club are aware that multiple clubs, including Como, Premier League sides and several La Liga teams, are already circling the player.

Not coming back to play for Flick

Virgili has no place in the Barcelona setup. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

However, Virgili’s return would not be with any intention of integrating him into Hansi Flick’s squad.

The arrival of Anthony Gordon makes a first-team role impossible, and Flick had already ruled him out last summer by omitting him from the American tour.

The plan would instead be to exercise the buy-back option and immediately sell him on for a profit, turning a smart piece of transfer business.

Virgili himself wants to remain in the top flight and has no desire to follow Mallorca into the second division, giving Barcelona additional leverage as they weigh up their options.