Ajax interested in a loan move for 19-year-old Barcelona defensive talent | OneFootball

The full-back position has become a pain point for Barcelona in this summer transfer window, as there is much uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde.

This has made Barcelona contemplate on other options not only in the market but also in La Masia. But one player who is unlikely to have a place in the team next season is Jofre Torrents.

The club appear interested in loaning out the teenage defensive prodigy, who was once seen as a viable alternative to Balde at left-back. He is now attracting interest from elsewhere in Europe.

Ajax keen on a loan deal

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are looking to send Torrents out on loan for the coming season, and Ajax have emerged as one of the clubs working to secure his services.

Jofre Torrents is on Ajax’s radar. (Picture courtesy: Barcelona official website)

Michel, the new Ajax coach, is unsurprisingly pushing for the move, as the former Girona manager has significant knowledge about talents in Catalonia and especially Barcelona.

Jordi Cruyff is also involved on the sporting side of the Dutch club.

At Ajax, Owen Wijndal started the season as a regular but saw his minutes diminish before finishing the campaign injured.

Oleksandr Zinchenko, who arrived in the winter window, suffered a knee injury in just his second appearance and will not continue at the club, while Lucas Rosa ended up filling in on the left flank despite being a natural right-back.

This has accentuated the need for a new left-back and Torrents fits the bill.

Why a loan makes sense for Torrents

For Barcelona, the priority is ensuring Torrents continues to develop with regular playing time.

Torrents unlikely to be a part of Flick’s plans next season. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

The youngster enjoyed a promising start to the campaign, completing pre-season with the first team and even making his debut under Hansi Flick, while also playing a key role for Barça Atletic.

However, his season was disrupted by a left ankle injury that sidelined him for much of the second half of the campaign, leaving him unable to build on that early momentum.

A loan move to a club where he can play consistently could be just what Torrents needs as he looks to prove his credentials at the highest level and potentially a first-team option for Barcelona in the future.