FC Barcelona continues working on planning their squad for the next season and, although the team's performance in attack has been excellent, Joan Laporta wants more reinforcements. The sports management, led by Deco, already has several names on the table to improve the forward line and give Hansi Flick more offensive options.
The main priority last summer was Nico Williams, but finally the Athletic winger decided to stay in Bilbao, which forced Barça to rethink their strategy. Other options like Luis Díaz or Rafael Leão remain on the list, but the club's economic reality makes these signings complicated.
This is why Barça has focused on an emerging talent, a player with spectacular potential and an affordable price. Meanwhile, Laporta and Deco's bet is in LaLiga.
Barça Seeks Talent Before It Explodes
Barça has shown that they know how to discover talent before its price skyrockets. They did it with Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araújo and more recently with Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal.
Now, the strategy is repeated with Jesús Rodríguez. A left-footed winger who is making waves at Betis and who could soon become one of the great revelations of Spanish football.
Rodríguez debuted with Betis's first team in October, and since then he has been gaining minutes with Manuel Pellegrini. His ability to break through, his speed and his skill in one-on-one situations have caught the attention of Europe's top clubs.
Sevilla FC let him slip away from their youth academy when he was a child and Betis signed him for their academy. Where he has exploded this season. Now, Barça doesn't want to miss the opportunity and is willing to pay his release clause, which amounts to 15 million euros.
A Strategic Signing for Barça
Barça knows that their economic situation doesn't allow for top-tier signings. The option of Jesús Rodríguez fits perfectly into the new signing model that the club is applying.
- Affordable Price: With 15 million euros, Barça can close a deal that, in a few years, could cost double or triple.
- Youth and Room for Improvement: At 19 years old, Jesús Rodríguez still has much room to grow and Barça could polish him in their academy or give him minutes in the first team.
- A Profile That Fits the Culé Style: A skillful, fast winger with the ability to play on both wings. His flair is reminiscent of Lamine Yamal in his early days.
The Competition for the Signing
Barça is not the only team that has set their sights on the young winger. Teams from the Premier League and Serie A are also following his steps, and his breakthrough at Real Sociedad has sparked the interest of several major clubs.
However, the player looks favorably on signing for Barça and being part of a project where young players have real opportunities. Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Pedri are examples that, if there is talent, Barça gives minutes.
Barça's sports management has been following Jesús Rodríguez for months and, according to sources close to the club, Laporta has already given the green light to negotiate.
With a 15 million euro clause, Barça has the opportunity to close a strategic signing, with great potential and without compromising the club's finances.
It remains to be seen how it progresses, but everything points to Jesús Rodríguez becoming Barça's next big signing for the 2025-26 season.