Barcelona to sell 19-year-old La Masia starlet permanently but retain control over his future | OneFootball

Barcelona have a number of talented La Masia starlets ready to break into the first team who are unlikely to get a chance due to the immense competition for places.

One such youngster who has been part of Hansi Flick’s plans for two consecutive pre-seasons is Jofre Torrents.

The 19-year-old defender is competing with Alejandro Balde and Gerard Martin for a first-team spot and is unlikely to get much game time.

Barça are also pushing to sign Cancelo from Al Hilal, with the veteran Portuguese defender keen on securing a return to the club.

Thus, Torrents is unlikely to get much game time if he stays at Barça, and it was revealed that the club were finalising a loan deal with Ajax for the teenager.

Ajax move offers the minutes he needs

However, now according to SPORT, Barcelona are preparing to sanction Torrents’ permanent move to Ajax.

On his way to Ajax. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

However, the club have structured the operation to ensure they do not lose control of one of La Masia’s most promising left-backs.

Barça will retain 50 percent of the defender’s rights and include a buyback option in the agreement.

The formula allows Torrents to continue his development elsewhere while preserving a clear route back to the first team.

Ajax should offer a more realistic opportunity to play, develop and experience pressure at a major European club.

Barcelona protect themselves

The most important part of the operation is not the immediate sale. It is the control Barcelona retain.

Keeping 50 percent of Torrents’ rights means Barça will benefit financially if Ajax sell him in the future.

Barcelona will retain 50% of Jofre Torrents’ rights. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

The buyback option also gives the club the chance to bring him home if his development accelerates.

Having been widely regarded as one of the more talented left-backs coming through La Masia, it is understandable that the Blaugrana protect themselves.

Torrents could go on to develop into a fine young defender, and Barça may look to bring him back once Cancelo’s time at the top level is done.

A formula that has served other clubs well in the past

Barça’s arch-rivals, Real Madrid, have done an excellent job of selling talented youngsters while keeping significant control over their future.

The Catalan club seem to be taking a page out of their book to apply the same formula in selling Torrents this summer.

This move is less about Barcelona profiting financially and more about the player moving to an environment where he gets regular game time.

It remains to be seen what the exact final terms of the deal are and how Torrents develops at Ajax in the coming seasons.