La Liga club stand firm on €16 million price tag for Barcelona defensive target | OneFootball

Barcelona have not made any defensive reinforcements this summer but have different players on their radar.

The Catalan club have been tracking the progress of Racing Santander player Jorge Salinas, but a move has not transpired so far.

Barça wanted to complete the move before 1 July, insisting that his release clause was €8 million, since Racing had not officially been promoted to La Liga.

However, the newly-promoted club have insisted on the €16 million release clause from the outset, leaving the two clubs apart in negotiations.

Racing refuse to lower asking price

Speaking about Salinas’ future, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Racing sporting director Chema Aragon insisted the versatile defender will only leave if a club triggers his €16 million release clause.

Barcelona remain keen on Salinas. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Barcelona’s current valuation is significantly lower, with the Catalan club prepared to offer around €6 million.

Aragon admitted that Racing would struggle to stop one of Europe’s biggest clubs if the clause is paid, but stressed that the club’s priority is to keep hold of one of their brightest young talents.

“We want our best players to stay,” he said, while acknowledging that “there is little you can do if a giant comes along and pays the clause.”

Salinas praised for professionalism

Despite the growing transfer speculation, Aragon revealed that Salinas has handled the situation impeccably.

The Racing director described the teenager’s attitude as “exemplary”, praising the defender for returning to pre-season in excellent condition and never attempting to force a move away from the club.

He also confirmed that Racing are prepared to reward the youngster with an improved contract if he remains beyond the end of the transfer window.

Jorge Salinas’ release clause stands at €16 million. (Photo courtesy: Instagram/@jorgesaliiinas)

“If he stays, we’ll have to recognize his growth in his contract as well,” Aragon explained.

Barcelona face difficult decision

Salinas’ ability to operate both as a left-back and a central defender makes him an attractive option for Barcelona, particularly given the club’s focus on signing young players with positional versatility.

However, the sizeable gap between Racing’s €16 million valuation and Barcelona’s reported €6 million offer means there is currently no obvious path to an agreement.

If Barça are that keen to sign the Under-19 Euros champion, they will have to increase their offer significantly for the newly promoted club to consider it.

Salinas is not a priority for Barcelona this summer, but he is a developmental bet who can explode in the future.

It is up to Deco now to figure out how to sweeten the deal and convince Racing to sell Salinas in the coming weeks.