The Summer Market Is Approaching and FC Barcelona Is Already Making Moves. Joan Laporta has activated several operations to strengthen Hansi Flick's squad. One of the most unexpected is practically closed.
While all the spotlights were on the usual names, Barça has opted for a quieter route. It's not a media signing, but it is a strategic one. The sports management believes this talent can mark an era at the club.
Barcelona and Bilbao, Two Elite Academies
Both FC Barcelona and Athletic Club de Bilbao are formative references in Spain. Their academies have produced legendary players for Spanish soccer. That's why Barça closely follows any breakthrough in Lezama.
In this case, the blaugrana club has set its radar on a profile that has sparked interest in several teams. It's a player who has been growing away from the spotlight but with constant progression. His performance hasn't gone unnoticed by Barça's coaches.
Laporta's New Target
While the signing of Nico Williams is still in an advanced phase, Laporta hasn't wanted to limit himself to a single operation. His plan is to strengthen the team with varied profiles: experience, imbalance, and youth. Here comes this Basque gem into play.
He is a footballer with international projection and great maturity despite his young age. The reports Deco handles are compelling. The club has decided to bet strongly to prevent him from slipping away.
The comparison isn't gratuitous. In the Catalan club, they consider that the level of this young promise already surpasses that of Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet. His versatility, tactical intelligence, and imposing physique make him a highly desired profile.
Although he doesn't play in the First Division, his name is starting to circulate among scouts across Europe. But Barça has been the quickest. There is already a preliminary agreement with the player's entourage.
A Signing Ahead of the Summer
The club wanted to close the operation as soon as possible to avoid bidding wars in July. Joan Laporta knows that if he waits too long, the cost could skyrocket. That's why he has given total priority to this incorporation.
From the player's entourage, they confirm that the decision is already made. Despite having more offers, he has chosen Barça for its project and the confidence shown. The agreement will include performance and progressive participation clauses.
The young talent coming to Barça is Hugo Rincón, a right-back on loan at Mirandés from Athletic Club. At just 20 years old, he is having a spectacular season in the Second Division. His physical ability, offensive projection, and game reading have won over the blaugrana technical secretariat.
Rincón has exceeded all expectations in his loan. Deco sees him as a medium-term bet that can compete right away. At a time when the right-back position isn't closed, his arrival represents a reinforcement for the future... and perhaps, also for the present.