Three-way move could send Barcelona gem Andres Cuenca to Sporting Gijon on loan | OneFootball

January 2026 has proven a very frustrating period for Barcelona Atlètic, which has seen one talented youngster after another move elsewhere to continue their careers. It does not help that they are currently playing in the fourth division.

Among the many names linked with an exit is Andres Cuenca, a talented left-footed Spanish centre-back who has already made his first-team debut under Hansi Flick. However, it does not look like he has a future at the Catalan club.

Barcelona and Italian side Como are reported to have reached an agreement over Cuenca’s transfer, a deal that has been weeks in the making. While the transfer between the two clubs is understood to be largely agreed, Cuenca’s immediate playing future will be shaped by a loan move to Real Sporting de Gijón, according to SPORT.

This step is designed to give the 18-year-old regular playing time in Spanish professional football, allowing him to continue his development while also strengthening Sporting’s defense with a young player who fits the team’s style of play.

Sporting’s executive president José Riestra confirmed that discussions are ongoing. He emphasized that the club is exploring how to make the move happen in a way that benefits the player, Barcelona, Como, and Sporting, highlighting the willingness of all parties as a key factor.

Sporting are confident that the coming days will resolve the main uncertainties, including the official finalization of the transfer between Barcelona and Como and the terms of the loan arrangement. An initial loan until the end of the season is likely, though an extension is not ruled out.

The move is appealing for Andres Cuenca due to the sporting project at Sporting. The club believes he would play a key role under Borja Jiménez, and a period in the Segunda División could provide the perfect competitive step before eventually moving to Serie A.

With several clubs monitoring his situation, Sporting has emerged as the crucial partner who could unlock the final phase of the deal.

If successful, Gijón would serve as an important intermediate step for a young center-back with European potential while maintaining a connection to Barcelona, as the Catalans will keep more than 20% of Cuenca’s sell-on rights, which would enable them to earn a substantial fee should the Spaniard develop as expected and become a sought-after commodity in Europe.