Edu Sánchez set to sign for Barça Atlètic from CD Badajoz

Last night we saw the importance of La Masia to the Barcelona first team. With Barcelona trailing 2-1, Xavi introduced a number of youth players, who helped turn that deficit into a 4-2 win, lifting the Joan Gamper trophy in the process. This morning we’ve heard that Barca is set to continue adding talent to the youth ranks in the form of Edu Sánchez, a left-back from CD Badajoz.

Barça Atlètic head coach Rafael Márquez has already seen a number of additions join the ranks this summer, including promising young German midfielder Noah Darvich.

Now he can add another name to the list with Sánchez set to join on a permanent transfer once he’s completed his medical at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, where he arrived this morning.

With Sanchez only just turning 18 in June, he will likely start his Barcelona career with Juvenil A before making the step up to the Barca B team with Márquez.

What kind of player is Edu Sánchez?

Sánchez played 20 times for CD Badajoz last season in the third tier of Spanish football, and while the club suffered relegation, the left-back excelled enough to grab the attention of Barca.

The deal for Sanchez has been in the works since the middle of July and it finally looks as though it’s set to be completed, with Barca fighting off the likes of Leganes and Sporting Gijon for his signature.

Sánchez is extremely confident and capable as a defender, but also shows plenty of flair and attacking prowess down the wing.

His route to the first-team at Barca is blocked by star left-back Alejandro Balde, but there’s no better place to develop your game than at La Masia.

He also grabbed the attention of the Spanish youth coaches, making his debut in April for the Spain U18 team.

There’s plenty of competition with the B team, and while newly signed Gerard Martin from UE Cornellà can play as a left-back, he’s been used more as a centre-back in his career.