Manchester United have received a boost in their pursuit of Racing Santander defensive sensation Jorge Salinas, as his Barcelona move has come close to stalling.
Negotiations with Barcelona stall as Racing Santander refuse to lower their €16 million asking price for Jorge Salinas, with sporting director Chema Aragon making the club’s position abundantly clear.
The 19-year-old defender has been on the Catalan club’s radar throughout the summer, but negotiations have now reached a standstill. The Blaugrana have reportedly offered €6 million upfront plus €2 million in variables, alongside the loan of an academy player.
Barcelona view Salinas as a solution to two defensive problems, centre-back depth amid Ronald Araujo’s fitness concerns and left-back cover for Alejandro Balde. Racing, however, want nothing less than Salinas’ €16 million release clause. While speaking in a press conference, Racing sporting director Aragon reaffirmed the club’s stance.
He said via Sport, “He has a contract with us, as you know. So, if they don’t bring the release clause, you know what will happen. Barcelona have been tracking Salinas since June, when his release clause was still €8 million. Racing’s official promotion to La Liga triggered the clause’s rise to €16 million.
Barcelona struggle to negotiate favourable terms
Despite Barcelona’s attempts to negotiate a more favourable structure, Racing have no intention of backing down. The Spanish club see Salinas as an important part of their plans for their return to the top flight after 14 years away.
“We value the assets we have; we give them importance. For the club, at this moment, there is no other option but to try to strengthen the team and not weaken it by losing our stars,” Aragon explained, before adding, “The reality is that the club that wants him has to come with the proposal.”
The sporting director also admitted that Racing would love to retain the youngster, who returned to training this week after being heavily linked with a move away.
“Hopefully he stays. It would be our dream. We are going to try by all means to make it happen. But it is also true that, if three important offers come in, it will be more complicated.”
Salinas enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, registering seven assists in 33 appearances and playing an important role in Racing’s promotion. His versatility, capable of operating at centre-back and left-back, has made him particularly attractive to both Barcelona and Manchester United.
Manchester United have a chance to snap up Salinas
However, Barcelona’s reluctance to meet the €16 million clause has given Manchester United renewed hope. The Red Devils are reportedly willing to pay Racing’s asking price and have identified Salinas as a potential long-term solution at left-back.
With Patrick Dorgu increasingly being used in more advanced positions, United need additional cover for Luke Shaw, particularly with Champions League football returning. Since the English full-back is already in his 30s and has had quite a few injury issues in the past, Salinas is seen as an ideal long-term replacement.
Salinas has prioritised Barcelona, but with their move stalled and Manchester United prepared to meet Racing’s demands, the door remains open for the Red Devils.