Barcelona unlikely to re-sign former La Masia gem after Jesse Bisiwu agreement – report | OneFootball

RCD Mallorca Jan Virgili remains uncertain about his future as Barcelona’s imminent signing of Jesse Bisiwu has effectively ended any realistic chance of the winger returning to the club, reports Mundo Deportivo.

The 19-year-old former La Masia talent began pre-season with Mallorca earlier this month, fully aware that several clubs continue to monitor his situation following his first season in professional football.

Barcelona changed their plans

Virgili was among the players Barcelona considered to strengthen their attacking options this summer. Thanks to his affordable release clause and the fact that the Catalans still own 40% of his rights, he could have been re-signed for only €7.2 million.

In mid-June, his representatives met with sporting director Deco at the club’s training complex to discuss the possibility of a return.

However, Barcelona’s priorities quickly evolved.

Barcelona were considering re-signing Virgili this summer. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

After completing the signing of Anthony Gordon and continuing their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, the club also moved decisively for highly-rated Belgian prospect Jesse Bisiwu, whose arrival has significantly reduced the need for another player with a similar profile.

Bisiwu deal secured

Bisiwu’s transfer is expected to be officially confirmed shortly. Barcelona will pay Club Brugge €8.5 million for the 18-year-old, slightly more than the fee that would likely have been required to bring Virgili back.

Within the club, Bisiwu is viewed as a player capable of completing the attacking unit for the future.

The Belgian is expected to train regularly with the first team while also featuring for Barça Atletic, with plans for him to join the senior squad during the pre-season training camp in England.

Mallorca want to keep Virgili, more clubs interested

What next for Virgili? (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

Despite Barcelona’s interest fading, Mallorca remain fully committed to Virgili. The winger impressed during his debut season, and the club have offered him a new contract as they prepare for a fresh project under head coach Luis Garcia.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are far from the only club monitoring the young winger. A number of European teams continue to track his progress, although transfer activity slowed during the World Cup.

With the tournament now over, the market is expected to become much more active in the coming days.

For now, Virgili remains focused on pre-season with Mallorca while waiting to discover where he will be playing next season, knowing that a return to Barcelona is now highly unlikely.