Barcelona has completed a strategic signing with its immediate future in mind. The blaugrana club has reached an agreement to sign Kevin Castaño, Colombian midfielder from River Plate. The 23-year-old footballer has rejected a formal offer from Paris Saint-Germain to fulfill his greatest dream: to wear Barça's jersey.
The young Colombian has been closely followed by several clubs in Europe thanks to his physical prowess, technique, and ability to break lines from midfield. From Barça's sporting management, they consider him a signing for both the present and the future, and they compare him to Rodrigo De Paul in terms of profile. The Argentine, who will leave this summer for Inter Miami, will leave a symbolic gap that Castaño could fill stylistically.
The former Águilas Doradas player joins the list of young prospects at the Catalan club. He has potential, hunger, and a style that fits with the new Barça. In Colombia, they compare him to Carlos Sánchez or Jefferson Lerma, although with a more technical and offensive profile.
Similar to De Paul
Kevin Castaño's arrival is scheduled for this summer, when he will join the first team's preseason under Hansi Flick's orders. The midfielder will have to compete for a spot in an area with competition: Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Casadó, and Bernal have the edge, although the Colombian's versatility gives him options.
Castaño can play both as a pivot and as a box-to-box midfielder. His ability to press, win the ball, and launch the team makes him a very interesting piece for Flick's style. The German is clear that in his new project, the foundations are intensity, order, and quick transitions. Many see him as similar to the Argentine Rodrigo De Paul, Atlético de Madrid player who will sign for Leo Messi's Inter Miami.
Manageable option
Barça believes his adaptation could be quick if he manages to show character from day one. Although he won't have guaranteed minutes, the coaching staff values his profile as the ideal complement for a midfield in full renewal. The signing of the Colombian, which will be official in the coming days after medical exams, has been closed for an amount close to €6 million (6 millones de euros) fixed plus add-ons.
A manageable operation for Barça in its current economic context. PSG tried to get ahead in recent weeks with a higher financial offer, but Kevin Castaño prioritized his sporting development.
Sources close to him say that his greatest desire has always been to play at Camp Nou, something that has weighed more than money. With this signing, Barça regains ground in the South American market, a new talent lands in the Catalan capital.