Barcelona set to lose academy midfield gem to Qatari club on a free transfer | OneFootball

Having sold Unai Hernandez to Al-Ittihad in the January transfer window, FC Barcelona appear all set to lose another talented academy youngster to the Middle East in the summer.

Pau Prim, whose contract with the Blaugrana stands to expire at the end of the season, is closing in on a free transfer exit.

Prim headed to Al Sadd

Indeed, according to MARCA, Barring any last-minute changes, Pau Prim is set to become an Al Sadd player for the next campaign.

Talks between the player and the Qatari club are in the final stages, with only the official agreement and signature pending.

As mentioned earlier, Prim’s contract with Barcelona expires in June, and despite the club’s efforts to extend his stay, he has declined all renewal offers.

The 19-year-old has chosen to embark on a new challenge in Qatar, as he sees limited opportunities for progression at Barcelona due to strong competition in midfield.

Pau Prim (bottom) on his way to Qatar. (Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)

The first team already has Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Marc Casado, and Eric Garcia capable of playing in the pivot role, with Fermin Lopez also an option.

Additionally, Marc Bernal is expected to return next season after missing most of the current campaign through injury. Given this scenario, Prim has opted to seek playing time elsewhere.

Al Sadd have been tracking the La Masia gem for some time, having already made an attempt to sign him during the winter transfer window. That deal ultimately fell through, and he remained at Barcelona.

However, in recent weeks, negotiations have intensified, bringing the transfer close to completion.

It is becoming clear that clubs from the Middle East are increasingly targeting talents from La Masia, with Unai Hernandez leaving in January and Pau Prim set to follow suit.

As such, Barcelona must be careful to their overtures and ensure that the futures of the promising talents coming through the youth ranks are secured.