Officials of football club Barcelona keep trying to change rules within Spanish soccer in order to prevent the poaching of teenage talent by clubs in the Premier League, who can offer a professional contract at a younger age. Now, with their approach for Denis Suárez of Manchester City, they’re trying to turn the direction of the transfer current.
According to Marca, Barcelona made a £4 million for a player they actually tried to sign in the past (2011), but Manchester City were the ones who beat competition from Chelsea and Manchester United as well in order to sign the former Celta Vigo player.
Suarez, 19, is a an attacking midfielder who can also play in a more central role, featuring in four matches for the Spain U-20 side during the World Cup this summer, with his statistical contribution being one assist in the only match he got to start in.
Despite being considered a huge talent for City, he hasn’t played even once in a league match for the side, managing only one league cup appearance in each of his two seasons with the club. He does a bit better in the U-21 league, scoring six goals and adding 7 assists last season, earning the Manchester City’s Young Player of the Year as voted for by the fans.
The plan for Barcelona regarding Suarez? One season with the B team, and them being promoted to their senior side, where there’s plenty of competition, but Barcelona have a better reputation than Manchester City in letting young players get more than just fringe chances in the lineup. While City might start enjoying their investment in young talent from all across Europe, just like Chelsea seem to be finally doing now, there doesn’t seem to be too much of a chance for Suárez to see a lot of playing time anytime soon.
At Barcelona? Slightly better, not to mention being part of a developmental program that is considered the best in Europe. The only question is if City are actually willing to let go of one of the few hopes they have in using a player they paid such a low fee for (€1 million) compared to their usual spending for the money Barcelona are offering.