Blow for Barcelona in terms of youth academy, Pau Prim, one of the biggest prospects from La Masia, will not renew his contract at Barça and will head to Qatar. The midfielder, whom many saw as the natural heir to Sergio Busquets, has decided to start a new chapter far from Camp Nou. His destination will be Al Sadd, the club where Xavi Hernández took his first steps as a coach.
In the Barça environment, this departure hasn't been well received at all; in the offices of the blaugrana club, they believe a greater effort should've been made to keep him. Pau Prim represented the pure Barça style: vision, positioning, clean ball distribution, and tactical commitment. Despite his young age, he was a highly valued profile by everyone. In the last season, he played 16 matches with Barça Atlètic, totaling 30 appearances with the reserve team, and he also recorded two assists.
His departure not only means a sporting loss; within the club, there are fears that it could set a very dangerous precedent. Pau Prim was one of the captains of his generation and a role model for those coming up behind him. The club's sporting management fears creating concerns in La Masia. In a context where Espanyol, Atlético de Madrid, and Real Madrid are pushing hard for young prospects, losing appeal could be very costly.
Relegation has a major impact
The relegation of Barça Atlètic to Segunda RFEF has also influenced his departure; the lack of a competitive division can block the path for the most promising youngsters. Without a clear growth structure, many players are considering alternatives. Qatar, in this case, has been a financially superior option with immediate projection for the player. At Al Sadd, he will find playing time, trust, and a comfortable environment to develop.
Meanwhile, Barça can't keep one of their most polished midfielders. Pau Prim had completed all the youth stages with distinction. In Juvenil A, he was already an undisputed starter, and with the reserve team, he was expected to make the definitive leap next season. The player has chosen to change course at a key moment for his development.
Defeat for La Masia
Institutionally, this move once again exposes the club's delicate situation. The management of the youth academy is suffering due to financial problems, doubts in sporting planning, and the lack of a clear path to the first team. Meanwhile, Barça lose another talent who was born and raised with the blaugrana DNA, one who was expected to lead the future of the Barça midfield.
Hansi Flick also hasn't been satisfied at all with the news that he's losing one of the talents he had on his radar. In fact, the German had considered taking the youngster on tour as he did last summer with some from his age group. That plan will be canceled, since the player has decided to start a new chapter in Qatari soccer.