Racing Santander issue strong response amid Barcelona’s interest in Jorge Salinas: ‘We don’t haggle over our players’ | OneFootball

Barcelona’s search for defensive reinforcements has led the club to Jorge Salinas, but Racing Santander have now provided an important update regarding the young defender’s contractual situation.

The 19-year-old has emerged as a Barcelona left-back target in recent weeks, with reports suggesting that the Catalan side were monitoring the possibility of signing him before an expected increase in his release clause. 

However, Racing insist the player’s valuation has already changed.

Racing explain Salinas release clause

Recent reports claimed that Jorge Salinas possessed an €8 million buyout clause that would rise to €16 million from July 1 onwards. However, Racing Santander have strongly denied that interpretation.

Speaking to Teiba Sport (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Racing communications director Roberto Gonzalez explained that the club views the defender’s contract differently.

Barcelona are interested in Jorge Salinas. (Picture credit: Instagram/@jorgesaliiinas)

According to Gonzalez, Salinas initially had a €4 million release clause, which doubled after the youngster reached ten appearances for the senior side.

The situation changed again following Racing’s promotion to the top division.

“There’s no mention of specific dates. Nothing changes from June 30 to July 1. As we see it, it’s very clear that Racing has been a First Division team for over a month,” he noted.

The comments suggest that the Jorge Salinas release clause currently stands at €16 million, regardless of the calendar date.

More to the story

Despite growing interest from Barcelona, Racing Santander are reluctant to lose one of their most promising talents.

Gonzalez described Salinas as a crucial part of the club’s project and underlined that Racing are not actively looking to facilitate an exit.

Barcelona will have to pay €16 million for Jorge Salinas. (Picture credit: Instagram/@jorgesaliiinas)

The club official pointed to previous departures involving players such as Peque and Jeremy, whose exits generated sizeable fees for Racing.

“We don’t haggle over key players, and Jorge is one of them. They had to pay the buyout clause for Peque, Jeremy…,” he recalled.

At the same time, he hinted that flexibility could exist if Barcelona present a proposal that benefits all parties involved.

“The buyout clause is the starting point. Beyond that, we’re not stubborn. If they pay less than the buyout clause and a top-notch player comes along, the sports management might still accept it,” he commented.

That statement leaves the door slightly open for negotiations, especially if Barcelona consider including players as part of a potential operation.