Barcelona set to beat Real Madrid in the race to sign Spanish youth prospect – report | OneFootball

Barcelona have made headlines in this summer transfer window by signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in a deal worth €70 million.

The club are expected to make a few more big moves in the market. But they are equally keen on shoring up their ranks on the youth level and are constantly eyeing top talents across Spain.

Barcelona close in on Deportivo defensive prospect

Barcelona are keen on shoring up their ranks at the youth level. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

According to Diario AS, Barcelona are on the verge of signing Gael Seijo, a versatile young defender from Deportivo La Coruna’s highly regarded Abegondo academy.

The player from Lugo, born in 2011, is a Spanish Under-14 international who stands out for his physical attributes, described as far superior to most players his age.

Capable of operating as a centre-back or defensive midfielder, Seijo attracted interest from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid as well, but it is Barcelona who have won the race, with the decision influenced by his immediate family.

Real Madrid also raiding Abegondo

Real Madrid are also on the verge of signing a Depor talent. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Barcelona are not the only club helping themselves to Deportivo’s talent.

Real Madrid have already secured the signing of Raul Lema, a winger born in 2010 and one of the most exciting U16 prospects in the country.

A Spanish youth international who has already featured for Deportivo’s Division de Honor Juvenil side, Lema will relocate to Madrid with his family to join the Bernabeu youth setup.

This is yet another setback for Deportivo, who are finding it increasingly difficult to hold onto their best young players in the face of interest from Spain’s biggest clubs.

The club’s ability to provide stability and a family environment remains their strongest argument for retention, but as this latest episode demonstrates, it is not always enough.