Spanish defender remains determined to join Barcelona despite stalled negotiations | OneFootball

Jorge Salinas still wants to become an FC Barcelona player, even though talks with Racing Santander have slowed considerably in recent weeks.

According to SPORT, the 19-year-old defender’s camp remains confident that an agreement can be reached in August, before the summer transfer window closes.

Salinas has already given his approval to the move and continues to view Barca as his preferred destination. However, he does not intend to force his way out of Racing, the club where he developed from a young age and helped secure promotion back to La Liga.

The main obstacle is financial. Racing increased his release clause from €8 million to €16 million, and Barcelona do not believe that figure is reasonable for a defender who has yet to establish himself in the top flight.

Barca have explored alternative structures to reduce the cost, including the possibility of sending players such as Jofre Torrents on loan.

Salinas is currently on holiday after winning the Under-19 European Championship with Spain. He has also met with representatives from Gestifute, the agency connected to Jorge Mendes, as his camp considers the next steps.

Patience is the right approach for Barca

Barcelona’s interest makes sense. Salinas is young, versatile and already accustomed to carrying responsibility in a successful team. His profile fits the club’s preference for defenders who can grow rather than arrive as finished products.

Still, paying €16 million would be difficult to justify. Barca cannot afford to overpay simply because the player is enthusiastic about the move, especially when he has not yet been tested consistently at La Liga level.

The club should stay in contact and wait for Racing’s position to soften. Late in the window, the pressure may change if Salinas maintains his preference and no other buyer matches the asking price.

For now, the player is doing his part by remaining clear about his ambition without creating conflict with Racing. That is a mature stance.

The deal is not close, but it is not dead either. Barcelona’s best move is to remain patient, protect their finances and only proceed if the final price reflects the real level of risk.