FC Barcelona has finalized a strategic signing with short- and medium-term goals in mind. The blaugrana side has reached an agreement with River Plate to complete the signing of Kevin Castaño, a 23-year-old Colombian midfielder. The young international has turned down a higher offer from Paris Saint-Germain to fulfill a personal goal: to play for Barça.
Castaño arrives after standing out in Colombian soccer and making the leap to River, where he has lived up to expectations. His tremendous physical presence, excellent tactical awareness, and ability to break lines with his runs have made him one of the emerging talents in South American soccer. Several European clubs were tracking him, but Barça moved quickly and convinced him with an attractive project.
The sporting management sees him as a signing for both the present and the future. His profile is reminiscent of the Argentine De Paul, with whom he shares intensity, dynamism, and attacking ability. At Barça, they understand he won't be a starter right away, but he will be a player with plenty of room to grow. Symbolically, he could fill the stylistic gap left by De Paul after his move to Inter Miami.
Castaño is Flick's desired signing
Kevin Castaño will join the first team this summer and will take part in preseason under Hansi Flick's orders. The German coach values his versatility: he can play as a holding midfielder or as a box-to-box midfielder. His intensity in pressing, recovering, and triggering quick transitions fits with the new style the manager wants to implement.
In Colombia, people compare him to Carlos Sánchez or Jefferson Lerma, although he has a more technical profile. The former Águilas Doradas player keeps a high tempo in demanding matches and has been capped by the senior national team. That experience has also weighed in Barça's decision, as they are increasingly betting on young talents with some experience.
Battle with Bernal and Gavi
He will have to fight for minutes in a highly competitive area of the field. Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Casadó, or Marc Bernal have the edge, although the Colombian can offer a different profile. The coaching staff believes his adaptation could be quick. The transfer has been closed at a figure close to €6 million (6 million euros) plus add-ons.
An operation considered manageable in Barça's current economic context. Negotiations have progressed quietly, and only the medical exams remain before it becomes official. Those close to the player say his dream has always been to play at Camp Nou, and that motivation was key to turning down Luis Enrique's PSG offer.
Castaño has prioritized the sporting project, an attitude that has been well received at Ciutat Esportiva. With this signing, FC Barcelona strengthens its commitment to the South American market. Kevin Castaño joins the new blaugrana generation aiming to restore the club's competitive identity. A signing with hunger, potential, and Barça style.