FC Barcelona's sporting department is preparing an official change on the left side of the defence. According to reports, Sporting director Deco has met directly with the agent Jorge Mendes to discuss the signing of the 19-year-old, Jorge Salinas from Racing Santander.
The game is simple but quite well prepared. Mendes is the agent of both Salinas and the current Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, and therefore has all the controls to execute a double operation.
Salinas at 16 million, ideal market operation
The promising Racing Santander defender has emerged as one of the best Spanish defensive players to be spotted in recent months, after a spectacular campaign in the second division. This summer, the Cantabrian team has always been firm in its decision to refuse any offers below the 16 million euro clause that the young prospect's contract has.
Both Atletico Madrid and Manchester United have expressed interest in the defender, although Jorge Mendes is keen on closing the operation with Barca. The player is totally convinced with the idea of playing at Spotify Camp Nou and for Deco having to go no further than the 16 million clause, makes it an ideal market opportunity to get one of the best young Spanish talents on the market.
Balde on the block
For the Salinas deal to be completed, FC Barcelona must first generate income to meet the fee, as well as create space on the wage bill, which would facilitate Balde's departure.
The club has set a price of 50 million euros for the Barca academy graduate. There is strong interest in Premier League clubs in the young defender. Purely from a business perspective, this operation is extremely attractive, since the 50 million from Balde, added to the 16 that would be paid for Salinas, would give them a total net profit of 34 million euros, a figure that would be crucial to balance the club's books.
48 hours until the final decision
The transfer is ready to be finalised, but needs the coach's approval. Hansi Flick will meet Deco in the next day to evaluate the sporting viability of replacing Balde with Salinas, a step that would be decisive.
Given that both player and agent are convinced, the next 48 hours will reveal the exact makeup of the Catalan backline.
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