Barcelona youth team star set to sign new contract until 2029 after rapid rise | OneFootball

Barcelona are set to secure the future of one of La Masia’s most promising goalkeeping talents, with Iker Rodriguez expected to sign a new contract running until 2029. 

According to SPORT, the 18-year-old is close to finalising the agreement after making a significant step forward in his development this season.

Rodriguez has already caught Hansi Flick’s attention and is now the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for Barça Atlètic. 

His form has also strengthened his standing within the club, where he is viewed as a potential long-term option for the senior side.

Iker Rodriguez has made a rapid rise at Barcelona

The timing of the renewal shows how quickly Rodriguez’s situation has changed. 

Iker Rodriguez is set to renew his Barcelona contract (Picture credit: Instagram/@ikerrodriguez.01)

His current youth contract expires in 2027, but Barcelona are now preparing to extend it by another two years as they look to protect a goalkeeper they believe can eventually compete for a first-team place.

His opening weeks have provided plenty of encouragement. Rodriguez has kept three clean sheets for Barça Atlètic, with the reserve side yet to concede in their first three league matches. 

Two of those games came away from home, with his saves playing an important role in giving a young defence greater security.

Furthermore, his workload has been relentless. After being included in Barcelona’s first-team pre-season camp in Birmingham earlier in the summer, Rodriguez travelled to the Sanchez Pizjuan for Saturday’s 3-1 win over Sevilla when Joan Garcia was unavailable through injury. 

The following morning, he made the trip to Barbastro and started in Barça Atlètic’s 0-1 victory.

Barcelona see long-term potential in La Masia goalkeeper

Rodriguez’s journey at Barcelona began in 2015, when he joined the academy from Can Rull at just seven years old. 

Barcelona have high hopes from Iker Rodriguez (Picture credit: Instagram/@ikerrodriguez.01)

Since then, he has progressed through the club’s youth system and developed into a goalkeeper whose profile fits Barcelona’s demands.

Barcelona are still conscious that Rodriguez needs experience before being thrown into the first-team picture permanently. 

Notably, the club has not had a settled long-term solution in goal, but the youngster’s progress gives Flick and the sporting department another option to monitor.

The new contract until 2029 is therefore more than a routine renewal. 

Barcelona are protecting a player they increasingly regard as part of their future goalkeeping plans, while allowing him the time needed to complete his progression.