Barcelona is going through a moment in which La Masia is shining brightly again. After the emergence of talents like Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, or Marc Bernal, another name is starting to generate excitement. He is a midfielder who, at just 17 years old, has already attracted the attention of half of Europe and whom Deco is watching very closely.
At the club, they know that relying on the youth academy is key in a delicate economic context. For this reason, every time a footballer with special qualities emerges, the sporting management accelerates to secure him. The latest strategic move has a clear protagonist, whose playing style is already being compared to Pedri's.
Lamine Yamal during a training session | @FCBarcelona
Bayern and half of Europe are watching him
The footballer in question was born in 2009 and arrived in Barcelona in 2023 from Maccabi Petah Tikva. Since his arrival, he surprised the coaches with how quickly he understood the automatisms of the blaugrana style. His ability to position himself and anticipate the play caught attention from the very first training session.
Internal reports highlight his vision, composure, and maturity to compete against older opponents. He is not a player with great physical presence, but he makes up for it with intelligence, tactical awareness, and very refined technique. That combination has led those in La Masia's locker room to already dare to call him "the new Pedri".
Deco | @deco_official
The level he has shown in international tournaments has not gone unnoticed. Top clubs, such as Bayern Munich, inquired about his situation this very summer. Other Premier League giants and top Italian soccer clubs also made inquiries. However, Barça moved first and decided to act before it was too late.
The sporting management, led by Deco, was clear that they could not allow another case like Simons's to happen. That's why they activated a strategic renewal that ensures his continuity for the coming years. The priority was clear: secure a gem that many considered lost if they did not act quickly.
Xavi Simons | @xavisimons
Strategic renewal at Camp Nou
In July 2025, Barça announced his first professional contract as a youth player until 2028. The move was celebrated as an internal success, both for securing the player and for the message it sends. Economically, the release clause was set at a high figure to deter offers.
The player himself showed his pride on social media, making it clear that his dream was always to succeed at Barça. "It's an honor to be at the best club in the world," he posted in a message that went viral. That detail convinced the fans even more, who see him as one of the leaders of his generation.
In addition to shining in the youth academy, the midfielder is already an under-17 international with Israel. He has played several official matches and is considered one of the country's great prospects. His case is making headlines in the Israeli press, which sees him as an example of success abroad.
At Barça, the roadmap is clear: consolidate him in the youth team, give him minutes in the Youth League, and later, bring him closer to Barça Atlètic. Flick is already aware of his progress and is considering the possibility of gradually integrating him into first-team dynamics.
A future that inspires excitement
At just 17 years old, this midfielder has all the ingredients to become a key piece. His ability to think quickly, protect the ball, and offer solutions under pressure make him a unique profile. Although the comparison with Pedri is risky, his style inevitably recalls that of the Canary Islander.
Barça has achieved something that seemed difficult: keeping a highly desired gem in Europe. It has done so in time, before Bayern or other giants could take him away. His name is Orian Goren, and at Can Barça they believe he can be one of the pillars of the immediate future.
