Barcelona’s January transfer window didn’t make headlines, but behind the scenes, a lot happened, especially with the club’s younger players.
Mamadou Mbacke and Adrian Gill left for good, Andres Cuenca went out on loan, but most of the next generation stayed put.
Dani Rodriguez almost moved to Dinamo Zagreb, but Barcelona put a stop to that.
Guille Fernandez had strong links to an exit too, but he’s still around.
Now there’s another name in the mix: Xavi Espart.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Racing Santander tried to snap Xavi Espart up on loan in January, but Barcelona shut that down fast.
They’re convinced he’ll develop better if he stays.
Espart, just 18, is seen as a key player for Barca Atletic for the rest of the season, especially since he’s just come back from an injury.
He returned against UD Barbastro after getting hurt back in November while playing for Spain’s Under-19s.
The timing couldn’t have been better.
Juliano Belletti, Barca Atletic’s coach, sees Espart as a leader on the right side.
First-team coach Hansi Flick wants to keep him close to the senior squad too.
Before he got injured, Espart had already made several first-team matchday squads under Flick.
That says a lot about the faith they have in him.
The coaches see him as one of La Masia’s biggest prospects, and that belief was a big reason they wouldn’t let him go.
Racing Santander didn’t just test the waters, either.
They offered a loan with a possible extension if they made it up to La Liga, a great opportunity for most young players.
They really pushed, but sporting director Deco stood firm and said no.
Even after Joao Cancelo arrived, who plays the same position, Barcelona didn’t change their stance.
They want Espart to grow within the club, not somewhere else.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
