Just in: Barcelona secure green light from Dutch defender as deal nears | OneFootball

A recent report from Matteo Moretto has revealed that Barcelona are close to completing a deal for 18-year-old centre-back Juwensley Onstein, who currently plays for Jong Genk. 

The Catalan club believe the agreement between the two clubs is nearing completion, with confidence growing that the transfer will soon be finalised.

Barcelona see Onstein as a long-term investment rather than an immediate first-team solution. 

As such, the club is convinced by the defender’s physical profile, composure on the ball and tactical understanding. 

As a result, the sporting department want to design a personalised development plan that allows the teenager to grow within the club’s structure without unnecessary pressure. 

Importantly, Onstein has already given Barcelona his approval, a key step that has helped accelerate negotiations.

A collapsed move to Milan

The move is particularly notable given recent developments elsewhere. 

In the past few days, Onstein had been strongly linked with AC Milan, with reports suggesting the Serie A side were in advanced talks to sign him. 

At one stage, it was even claimed that the defender was due to travel to Italy for a medical examination. 

However, those negotiations collapsed at the paperwork stage, when documentation was being exchanged between the parties.

Barcelona pounced

Barcelona were quick to react as and when opportunity emerged. 

With Milan temporarily out of the race, the Catalan club stepped up their efforts and positioned themselves as the most convincing destination for the player. 

The project presented to Onstein, which focuses on structured development and long-term progression, appears to have played a decisive role.

Born on October 7, 2007, Onstein began his football education in the youth academy of Ajax, a background that naturally appeals to Barcelona, given the shared emphasis on technical development. 

In 2023, he moved to Genk, where he signed a contract running until 2026 and continued his progression with Jong Genk.