Barcelona close in on the capture of 14-year-old Spanish midfield pearl – report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona scouts work throughout the year to identify promising players capable of strengthening the club’s youth teams.

The level across all categories in the academy is already very high, but the club remains attentive to emerging talents across Spain and the rest of Europe who could further improve the squads.

It led to the signings of talents like Ajay Tavares and Juwensley Onstein during the January window. More such arrivals could be on the horizon in the summer.

Barcelona moving for Victor Santiago

In that regard, SPORT reports that Victor Santiago, currently playing for the U-15 team of Escola Gava, is set to become one of the first additions to Barcelona’s academy for the 2026-27 season.

The 14-year-old is one of the players the Catalans have already made a move for, and he now has a strong chance of joining the club’s U-16 side next season if nothing unexpected happens.

Santiago has played at Escola Gava from a young age, and Barcelona’s youth coaches agree in viewing him as an important reinforcement.

Most of the current first-year cadet players at Barcelona, coached by Alex Fernandez in the U-15 team, will move up to the U-16 side next season, currently managed by David Sanchez. However, this group requires reinforcements to take a step forward in quality.

Santiago is a left-footed attacking midfielder with excellent dribbling ability and pace, capable of adapting to wide or central positions. His technical qualities and dynamism have become particularly evident over the past two seasons.

This season, Santiago has scored 15 goals and has stood out as the best player in the Escola Gava U-15 side. He is the team captain and, in addition to his talent, is noted for his commitment to collective duties and for having “a strong desire to listen and learn”.

Several clubs have shown interest in him, but Barcelona are very close to finalising his move to their under-16 team. Villarreal have a collaboration agreement with Escola Gava, but have not made a move for the player despite his outstanding attributes.

Santiago will turn 15 on 22 June, and if nothing goes wrong, will celebrate it with a move to Barcelona.