European soccer always finds new redemption stories, and this time the protagonist is a Barça academy graduate. After his unexpected departure, many thought he would stagnate in a lower-level league. However, his breakthrough has surprised both insiders and outsiders, exceeding all initial expectations.
In just three matchdays of the league, he has managed to attract attention with truly convincing performances. His competitive character, tactical discipline, and defensive reliability have made him one of the revelations. Local media already highlight him as one of the best players at the start of the league.
The contrast with his time at Barça is clear. There, he was never able to establish himself in the first team, despite having the right qualities. Flick's arrival ultimately closed the door to his aspirations of growing in Barcelona.
A new beginning far from Barcelona
The decision to seek a change of scenery was painful, but necessary for the player and also for the club. His departure took place this very summer, closing a transfer that barely made media headlines. Many Barça fans didn't understand the move, but the operation seemed inevitable with Flick in charge.
The chosen destination, at first glance, didn't seem the most glamorous within the European soccer landscape. However, the club that bet on him guaranteed him a leading role from day one. That trust has been key for him to find stability and competitive consistency.
His performance has even surprised the coaching staff of his new team. The player has adapted with extraordinary speed to the demands of a completely different environment. The fans have welcomed him enthusiastically, valuing his professionalism and commitment in every match.
An immediate impact in Europe
The most striking thing is that he has needed just one match to spark international interest. His performance was so high that clubs from the top European leagues took good note right away. Among them, English teams with enormous financial power and urgent defensive needs stand out.
The scouts who attended agreed on the same assessment: he has the qualities of an elite center-back. Quick to intercept, strong in aerial play, and with a clean ball distribution, he convinced everyone. So much so that there is already talk of a possible move in the next transfer window.
His growth is reminiscent of other players who left Barcelona and excelled in unexpected destinations. One of the most famous cases was Dani Olmo, who broke out at Dinamo Zagreb. Now, another footballer trained at La Masia is following exactly the same path in Croatia.
Flick criticized for letting him go
At Barça, not everyone is happy with how his departure was handled. Some academy coaches believe he had the potential to be important in the future. However, Flick was firm and preferred to bet on other, more established defensive profiles.
Time will tell if the club made a strategic mistake by letting him go so soon. What is certain is that his start in the Croatian league is generating debate among the board and part of the fans. Seeing an academy graduate stand out elsewhere always raises questions about the policy of keeping or letting players leave.
Meanwhile, his market value has started to rise. What seemed like a minor signing could become a great deal for his new club. If an offer from the Premier League finally arrives, a new chapter in his career will open.
International interest includes, according to sources in England, a giant like Chelsea. The Londoners are closely following his progress and are seriously considering making a move for him in the coming months. A meteoric rise: from La Masia prospect to a Champions League club target.
In Barcelona, some teammates have shown their surprise at how much he has grown in such a short time. Many knew about his talent, but never imagined he would make such a quick impact in European soccer. His story is beginning to establish itself as one of the revelations of the summer.
The protagonist of this new chapter is none other than Sergi Domínguez, who left for Dinamo Zagreb. At 20 years old, he is already one of the most talked-about names in the Croatian league and all of Europe.