Confirmed: Barcelona defensive talent leaves for Spanish third-division club | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have officially announced that young defender Joan Anaya has left the club to sign for UE Sant Andreu.

As part of the agreement with the Spanish third-division outfit, the Blaugrana will retain a percentage of any future sale of the La Masia defender.

“FC Barcelona has reached an agreement with Sant Andreu for the transfer of Joan Anaya. The club retains a percentage of any future sale,” the club statement read.

A promising talent departs

Anaya, 21, had been at Barcelona since 2015, when he signed for La Masia from Reus Deportiu.

The young right-back progressed through the different age groups at the Catalan club’s academy, building a reputation for himself as a solid right-back with attacking flair and defensive nous.

Anaya went on to make 32 appearances for the club’s reserve team, Barça Atletic, registering four assists in the process.

While he never made his first-team debut for the La Liga champions, the La Masia product had been called up to training with the senior squad by manager Hansi Flick earlier this year.

With his contract expiring in 2027 and no place for him in the senior setup, Barça have opted to part ways with Anaya, while retaining a future sell-on clause.

Concluding their statement, the Catalans wished the defender success for what lies ahead as he begins a new chapter in his career with the Primera RFEF club.

“FC Barcelona would like to express its gratitude to Joan Anaya for his commitment, dedication and professionalism during his years at the Club, and wishes him the best of luck and much success, both personally and professionally.”