Barcelona deal for teenage full-back far from done despite player’s clear preference | OneFootball

Barcelona’s interest in Jorge Salinas remains very much alive, but the transfer is still far from being completed, reports Mundo Deportivo.

Amid reports suggesting that the teenage left-back was all set to become the Catalans’ second signing of the summer, the aforementioned outlet insists that it is not the case.

Still no agreement

The 19-year-old Racing Santander defender, who has impressed this season playing at left-back, is viewed as a realistic target by the Catalan club. However, no agreement has yet been reached with either the player or Racing.

The left-footed defender has been closely monitored by Barça’s sporting department for some time. The club have made initial moves through his agent, Jorge Mendes, but there is currently no personal agreement with the player and no deal between the clubs.

No agreement in place for Salinas. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

So far, discussions have been limited to intentions and possible frameworks for a transfer.

Racing looking to maximise the deal

Racing Santander are referring interested clubs to a release clause believed to be higher than the €16 million figure previously reported.

The Cantabrian side are also open to different formulas to facilitate a move, including the possibility of involving a Barcelona academy player.

One name that has appealed to Racing is Xavi Espart, although no concrete talks have taken place regarding the youngster.

Hansi Flick wants to assess Espart again during pre-season before making any decisions on his future.

Barça confident, but competition is strong

Within Barcelona there is optimism that the deal can eventually be completed. One possibility being considered is for Salinas to join Barça and then spend next season on loan back at Racing to continue his development.

Barcelona confident of signing Jorge Salinas. (Picture credit: Instagram/@jorgesaliiinas)

The player’s entourage also insist that nothing has been finalised. Although Salinas’ preference would be to move to Barcelona, he has several attractive alternatives on the table.

Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Bologna and Newcastle have all shown interest, while Paris Saint-Germain have also been mentioned as potential suitors.

At Racing, there is a growing acceptance that Salinas is likely to leave sooner rather than later. With interest increasing across Europe, the club’s priority is now to secure the best possible return for one of their most sought-after young talents.

Barça remain firmly in the race, but the operation is still open and several key pieces have yet to fall into place.