Barcelona’s summer is expected to be a busy one, not only for their senior squad but also for the players coming through the ranks of Barca Atletic.
After the club’s second team suffered relegation to the fourth tier, many of the squad’s brightest talents are now seeking moves elsewhere to avoid stagnation.
Some academy players will remain in Catalonia, particularly those with a real chance of breaking into Hansi Flick’s squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
Others, though, are expected to follow the path taken by Alex Valle, where a move away — permanent or temporary — offers the best chance of top-flight football.
With Hansi Flick now well into his first preseason as manager, he’s already assessed a number of fringe players who made their debuts under his tenure last season.
One such talent, 20-year-old centre-back Sergi Dominguez, could now be on his way to Italy.
According to respected journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Serie A hopefuls Empoli are keen to bring in Sergi Dominguez on loan as they plan for promotion back to the top flight.
While it remains unclear what Barcelona’s stance is on a move, the interest in the young defender signals a growing market for La Masia products with top-level experience.
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Dominguez made his senior debut under Flick last August, coming off the bench in a 7-0 thrashing of Real Valladolid.
He was rewarded with a start weeks later against Villarreal and went on to accumulate six appearances for the first team.
Despite the promising signs, the player’s path to regular minutes is currently blocked by an experienced and crowded centre-back roster that includes Pau Cubarsi, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Inigo Martinez.
He also featured 19 times for Barca Atletic last season, further cementing his status as a top academy prospect.
Empoli’s interest may present a crucial stepping stone for Dominguez, who is at a career juncture where consistent game time is essential.
Barcelona will now have to decide whether another year in the youth system benefits the defender or if a loan abroad is best for his development.
Either way, his performances haven’t gone unnoticed — and Serie A may be his next stop.
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