FC Barcelona continues to strongly support La Masia and the upcoming talents. The Catalan club isn't satisfied with just having discovered Lamine Yamal. Now it is working on developing another footballer who is starting to attract the interest of the entire culé community. This is the wing-back Jofre Torrens, one of the most promising gems of Juvenil A, who is set to be one of the big surprises of the preseason.
At 17 years old, Jofre is a right-back with great range, powerful in his runs, and with technical quality that reminds many of what was seen in Lamine Yamal. Although they play in some different positions, Hansi Flick has identified in him that boldness and that ability to break lines that he likes so much in a young footballer. For this reason, the blaugrana coach has requested to keep him close during the July training sessions.
FC Barcelona's idea is to observe him closely before deciding whether he will start the season with the reserve team or if he will stay this year with the youth team. What is clear is that the sporting management already considers him a strategic asset for Barça's immediate future. The club doesn't want situations like those of Ilaix Moriba or Xavi Simons to be repeated, so for weeks now, they have been working on a contract renewal to secure his future.
Avoiding another Moriba or Simons case
According to internal sources, the club has everything agreed to finalize a training contract that will guarantee his stay at least until he is 20 years old. Jofre has already shown his desire to keep growing at Can Barça. He has a strong emotional connection with the club and with his coaches, who have guided him since the youth categories.
The player has also been followed by scouts from Premier clubs, but Barça has reacted in time. In fact, Flick has already included himin a select group of young players who will go on the summer tour in the United States. His versatility—he can play as a wing-back or winger—gives him added value that fits with the German coach's plans.
The new Yamal on stage
The coach wants to test him in different systems and observe how he adapts to the pace of the first team. At the Joan Gamper Sports City, some are already calling him "the new Lamine Yamal". Although that comparison may be premature, there is consensus that this is one of the most exciting projects in Barça's youth soccer system.
His progress will be closely monitored by the coaching staff, especially in a season where the youth academy will once again play a leading role. Jofre Torrens has already been an international with Spain in youth categories, his name is starting to gain momentum and it's no coincidence. At the blaugrana club, they value his tremendous maturity, his great ability to compete, and his ambition. In key matches last season, he was decisive both in defense and in attack.
While waiting to see him wear the first team's number in summer friendlies, there is full confidence in the culé club in what he can contribute. His talent doesn't go unnoticed. The best, according to the club, is yet to come.