Como reaches loan agreement with Barcelona star as Italian side seals surprise January deal for promising Camp Nou talent.
The Italian club is in advanced talks to wrap up a move this month for a highly rated centre-back whose expiring contract and blocked route to the first team have convinced all parties that a split is now the best outcome.
For Barcelona, it is another delicate exit to manage in a congested defensive department; for Como, it is a statement of intent built around youth and development.
Como has moved decisively, reaching an agreement in principle and positioning itself ahead of other suitors from Italy, France, and across Europe.
That defender is 18-year-old Andrés Cuenca, a regular for Barça Atlètic and already a Champions League debutant with the senior side last season, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
With his deal up at the end of June and competition from the likes of Pau Cubarsí, Ronald Araujo, Iñigo Martínez, and Eric García, Barcelona recognised that keeping him beyond this season would be difficult, especially given his desire for a clearer senior pathway.
The plan, however, is not for Cuenca to jump straight into Serie A action.
Como intends to sign him and then loan him out immediately for the remainder of the season so he can continue his growth through regular minutes in a competitive environment.
In that context, Segunda División side Sporting Gijón has emerged as a serious option, exploring a loan that would keep the youngster in Spanish football while he prepares for the tactical and physical demands of Italy next year.
Barcelona, for their part, are expected to try and retain some form of sell-on or future interest in the deal, knowing the upside they are letting go under financial and sporting pressure.
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