Barcelona ready to buy back former academy player for just €7.2 million but there’s a catch | OneFootball

Barcelona have been rather quiet in the transfer market after announcing the blockbuster signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.

The Catalans have been carefully calibrating their economic situation and have been unable to make a breakthrough in the race to sign top target Julian Alvarez.

They have not lost sight of other key areas, though. In fact, Barcelona are about to make their second move in the market by bringing back Jan Virgili.

Jan Virgili to return to Barcelona

According to Que Thi Jugues, Barcelona are planning to activate Virgili’s buyback clause worth around €7.2 million.

While the actual clause is worth €12 million, following Mallorca’s relegation from La Liga, Barça also retain a 40% sell-on clause for the winger, bringing the price effectively to €7.2 million.

Virgili is set for a Barcelona return. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

Formerly of La Masia, Virgili was regarded as one of the academy’s top-rated talents when he joined Mallorca on a permanent deal last summer, in search of regular game-time.

Virgili didn’t disappoint either, racking up eight goal involvements in his first professional season in La Liga, although he wasn’t able to prevent his team from relegation.

Why are Barcelona buying back Virgili?

Barcelona’s decision to bring back Virgili is purely strategic and not necessarily a sporting one, as the youngster does not currently fit into Hansi Flick’s setup.

Flick himself believes that Virgili is not yet ready for the first team and still needs to improve his game. Not to mention, he will face immense competition, especially with Gordon joining the team next season.

Virgili has impressed at Mallorca. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

The primary idea for Barça is not to lose control of the youngster’s future, as he has shown what he is capable of during his time at Mallorca so far.

The Catalans, therefore, are more than happy to bring back to Camp Nou this summer and then send him out on loan elsewhere, most likely to another La Liga team, with Real Betis emerging as an option.

With Mallorca demoted to the second division, staying at the club is likely not an option anymore. Virgili, though, won’t find any shortage of suitors after his strong performances in the top-flight last season.