Barcelona are reportedly trying all they can to fend off widespread interest for one of the brightest stars of their academy in 15-year-old Robert Navarro.
According to Spanish publication Sport, the European raid on La Masia appears to have just started. After multiple players being poached out of the Barcelona academy, it seems interest and attempts are being readied to convince 15-year-old Robert Navarro to switch loyalties.
Robert Navarro, according to the report, has fielded multiple overtures, the major one coming from Borussia Dortmund, who have already snapped up Sergio Gomez from Barcelona. While the player is contemplating a move, this has called Barcelona into action, who are now set to meet Navarro and his representatives in order to work out a deal.
Barcelona desperate not to lose superkid Robert Navarro
Barcelona are aiming to tie down superkid Rober… pic.twitter.com/igoKODWFNJ
— Excess Sport (@excesssport) February 6, 2018
The complicated thing in this deal is the fact that Navarro is just 15, which means he cannot sign a pre-contract at Barcelona, at least before he turns 16, which is not till April 12. He is currently a part of Cadet A and is set to join Barcelona’s youth side after he turns 16.
The midfielder is not alone, though. Sergio Gomez and Nico Gonzalez had both, along with Navarro, had asked for an economical improvement in their deals, something that Barcelona have been unwilling to do. This has already seen Sergio Gomez depart for Borussia Dortmund, with Nico Gonzalez a supposed target for Manchester City, a club his father is associated with.
But, the economical plan is not the only thing on Navarro’s mind. The midfielder also wants to know Barcelona’s plan for the 15-year-old and a clear roadmap towards the first-team setup, something that has come under scrutiny in recent years, with not many players making the senior grade from the academy setup.
? Sit back and enjoy Robert Navarro’s amazing play to set up Germán Valera’s goal ?????! pic.twitter.com/adMu0r0rLm
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) January 31, 2018
Navarro’s skill and potential is there for all to see. He has been weaving his way through fellow players with ease in the academy, something that has already caught the eye of the officials at the club, with the 15-year-old also touted as one of the brightest up-and-coming midfielders at La Masia.
Barcelona are a club that have a long-lasting heritage of pushing youngsters into the senior setup and giving them the platform to achieve greatness. Of late, that has not happened, with the club spending heavily to reinforce the first-team – Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele have both arrived for astonishing amounts.
And they must revert to their ways, lest they fear losing more gems of their academy, more than they can afford.
