La Masia is once again a target for the major capitals of Saudi soccer. In recent days, several FC Barcelona talents have received inquiries and offers from Saudi Arabia. Clubs like Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, or Al Ahli are willing to spare no expense to acquire gems from the Catalan club. Barcelona fans are clear about who is for sale and who is absolutely non-negotiable.
Fermín López, Ansu Fati, Héctor Fort, and Pablo Torre have been the main names linked to these moves. All of them, with international potential and at a very young age, are on the radar of these teams that don't skimp on multi-million salaries and long-term contracts. Saudi Arabia wants to keep strengthening their league with young talent, and Barça players represent a unique opportunity.
Emissaries from these clubs have already sent concrete proposals to the circles of some footballers. There is even talk of salary figures that would quadruple what these young players could earn in Europe over the next three or four years. The Saudi strategy is clear: seduce with money and promises of immediate prominence.
fermin for the release clause
In Fermín's case, FC Barcelona's position is firm. Joan Laporta will only consider his departure if his release clause, close to €100M, is paid in full. The Andalusian midfielder has been one of the season's great revelations, and the club considers him an untouchable piece for the future. Any Saudi attempt to sign him, therefore, must involve full payment of that clause.
The scenario is different for Ansu Fati, who was loaned last season to Brighton and Hove Albion. Although Barça still trust his athletic recovery, they don't rule out a permanent sale if a convincing offer arrives. Saudi Arabia has already sounded out his circle, and a major move in the coming weeks can't be ruled out.
fort and torre are two talents who remain
Héctor Fort and Pablo Torre are also on the Saudi radar, both have had partial roles in the first team or are loaned to other LaLiga clubs. The sporting management doesn't consider them untransferable and could accept their departure if the financial terms are favorable. Saudi Arabia could become a quick way to raise funds.
Barça, suffocated by Financial Fair Play restrictions, doesn't rule out listening to offers for players with potential. Although Laporta wants to keep the young core of La Masia, he is aware that some sales could facilitate key registrations for the next season. Saudi Arabia has already shown in the past their ability to convince established stars.
Now, they want to go a step further and strengthen their league with young talent. The case of Gabri Veiga is the clearest precedent. In this context, the culés view the Saudi offensive with suspicion. La Masia has always been a symbol of identity and a cradle of champions.