La Masia starlet closes in on Girona move as Barcelona retain 50% future stake | OneFootball

Barça Atletic not moving up from the fourth division last season has left them with a very difficult decision to make on the futures of a number of players.

Many young starlets who were part of Juliano Belletti’s squad for the reserve team last season would have outgrown that division and need to play for a different club at a higher level.

This has seen some sales take place, and the latest one to join the list could be Brian Farinas. The 20-year-old is close to joining Girona from Barcelona.

The operation is expected to be a permanent transfer rather than a simple loan. According to Mundo Deportivo, the move could be completed for around €1.5 million, while Barcelona would retain 50 percent of the player’s rights.

Earlier today, it was reported that Girona had not yet reached an agreement with their Catalan rivals to sign Farinas, despite mutual interest among all parties involved.

However, the latest information suggests that negotiations are advanced and that the La Masia starlet could soon be announced as a new Girona player.

Farinas ready for a higher level

Barcelona believe Farinas needs more game-time at a higher level. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Farinas enjoyed a productive campaign under Juliano Belletti at Barça Atletic, recording five goals and seven assists across 33 appearances.

He also trained with Hansi Flick’s first team on occasion, but the route to regular senior minutes remains crowded.

A move to Girona would allow him to play in the Segunda Division, a clear step up from the Segunda Federacion.

After establishing himself with the reserves, the midfielder now needs a more demanding weekly environment to continue progressing.

Barcelona protect their investment

The reported structure makes sense for Barça.

Receiving €1.5 million provides an immediate return, while keeping 50% of his rights ensures the club can benefit financially if Farinas develops and is sold later.

Barcelona can buy Farinas back for cheap. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Barcelona have had to become smarter when managing La Masia departures.

Not every promising player can reach Flick’s first team, especially in midfield, but allowing talent to leave without protection can become costly if that player later succeeds elsewhere.

Farinas remains under contract until 2028 and has been at the club since joining from Villarreal in 2018.

His exit should therefore be viewed as a development decision rather than Barcelona simply giving up on an academy player.

Girona can offer senior responsibility, competitive minutes and a familiar Catalan environment.

For Farinas, that combination may be more valuable now than another season waiting for occasional first-team opportunities.

The deal still needs to be signed off, but right now, it does look imminent, and it remains to be seen how Farinas gets on at Girona next season.