Barcelona is experiencing a summer of intense moves not only in the first team, but also in its youth categories. Hansi Flick's arrival on the bench has meant a new starting point for many players, but it has also led some to seek opportunities away from Camp Nou. The sporting management is working to keep the most promising talents, although internal competition and the reserve team's relegation to Segunda RFEF have complicated the contract renewals of several young players.
In recent weeks, the club has seen youth players like Eloi Gómez and Pau Prim pack their bags for other destinations. Other names like Sergi Domínguez and Hugo Alba have also ended their time at La Masia. Meanwhile, Deco and Joan Laporta are trying to convince other gems to stay, although they don't always achieve their goal.
Rejects Barça, heads to Emirates
One of the most striking cases is Arnau Pradas's. The winger, considered one of the jewels of the 2006 generation, has decided not to renew with Barça and has already signed with Al Wahda in the United Arab Emirates. After a lifetime in the youth academy, he has chosen to close his chapter at the club, disappointed by the lack of opportunities and the projection they offered him.
Pradas was one of the pillars of Juvenil A and had caught the attention of teams like Arsenal, Tottenham, or Lazio. However, he prioritized a project that guarantees him playing time and an attractive contract. Neither the calls from Juliano Belletti, the reserve team coach, nor Deco's proposals managed to change his mind.
His decision is partly explained by the competition in his position, with players like Lamine Yamal. In addition to the signing of Ronny Bardghji, which further reduces his chances of making the jump to the first team.
A profile lost at La Masia
With a vertical and unbalancing playing style, Arnau Pradas was once compared to Neymar for his ability to get past opponents and his finishing skills. He arrived at La Masia as a child from Gimnàstic de Manresa and shared a locker room with talents like Héctor Fort, Marc Guiu, and Pau Cubarsí. His progression had raised great expectations at the Catalan club, which trusted he would become a reference for Barça Atlètic in its fight to return to Primera RFEF.
The young footballer, however, felt he didn't have Flick's trust, who didn't include him in any squad list during preseason. This, together with the pressure from other interested clubs, ended up tipping the balance toward his departure. Although his exit is on a free transfer, Barça keeps a preferential option in case he returns to Europe in the future.