Amid the sports restructuring that FC Barcelona is experiencing, the youth academy is once again an essential axis of the project. The emergence of names like Lamine Yamal or Pau Cubarsí has renewed faith in La Masia, and many dream of following in their footsteps and having an opportunity on the team. However, not all emerging talents are experiencing that reality with the same fortune.
The case of some youth players has begun to generate concern within the club, as there are promises who are not seeing their efforts rewarded with minutes or real opportunities. One of the names making the most noise in this regard is that of a midfielder with star potential. He is one who sees how his dream of debuting in the elite seems increasingly distant.
Between Patience and Disappointment
At 16 years old, Guille Fernández is considered one of Barça's great projects: his talent did not go unnoticed last summer when he received significant offers from European clubs. However, he trusted in Hansi Flick's project, renewed with the club and chose to stay to fight for his opportunity. The promise was clear: to debut with the first team and be part of the drafts frequently.
The reality has been different: although he has had minutes with Barça Atlètic and has performed at a high level in the Primera RFEF, Guille Fernández expected much more. The youth academy player had expectations of being part of some draft, and he sees with frustration how other teammates, even younger, have already made their debut in the first team. The case of his cousin Toni Fernández, who did manage to debut, has increased that sense of disappointment.
A Growing Fear
The competition in the midfield is fierce and doesn't seem to be easing. Added to this is the club's interest in signing a new midfielder in the summer, which could further close the doors for Guille. With this outlook, the young player has started to consider his future and doesn't rule out a change of scenery if he doesn't receive real guarantees of having a role in the first team.
Several European clubs have already taken note of the situation. Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Leipzig, Porto, and PSV Eindhoven have shown interest in signing him, aware of his potential and the discontent that exists due to the lack of opportunities. Barça, meanwhile, risks losing one of its most promising gems if it doesn't act quickly.