Barcelona plan to tie down 19-year-old defensive talent with two-year renewal | OneFootball

While the Barcelona first-team rightfully rejoices in a season where they won the domestic treble, last season was not as memorable for Barça Atletic who found themselves relegated to the Segunda RFEF Division after a disastrous campaign.

Being relegated to the lower division, needless to say, brings with it the potential for a mass exodus, especially of players who feel they deserve to play at a higher level.

After all, not all players bear the conviction that sticking around could realistically lead to a first-team opportunity and may thus prefer an exit.

A young left-back who will stay

Juliano Belletti has taken over as the new manager of the reserve team and will have to compensate for the heavy departures anticipated with promotions from the lower levels.

Tying down such talents who are capable of making such a jump, thus, is of utmost importance.

As relayed by SPORT in a recent update, Alexander Walton is one such player who promises to be a great candidate for Barça Atletic who the club believe in.

Juliano Belletti will take charge of Barça Atletic next season. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

In fact, the administration are actively working on activating a two-year extension clause in his contract to tie him down to Catalonia.

The left-back signed for Barcelona in February 2024 from Union Esportiva Gava and started off at the club at a very high level. He is expected to link with Belletti in the reserve team and help the manager’s goal to promote the team back to the Primera Federacion.

The 19-year-old defender plays in the same position as Jofre Torrents, a player in the academy who Hansi Flick adores and trusts for his high ceiling. Yet, the club do not rule out Walton making it big in the medium term for Barcelona.

Walton made 40 appearances for Juvenil B last season and was a bonafide starter at left-back. He even scored two goals in the process and is seen as one for the long haul.

Sorting out his contractual situation, thus, will be a priority for the administration.