FC Barcelona’s transfer activity this summer has mostly centred around offloading surplus players and trying to reduce the wage bill, but developments at the reserve level are also making headlines.
Hansi Flick’s reign at Camp Nou has already sparked changes to the first-team squad, with a focus on creating room for a select group of academy stars.
However, with depth in certain positions like centre-back, opportunities for some La Masia talents have begun to dry up.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
The club’s backline is currently overloaded with players, including Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, and Inigo Martinez — limiting upward mobility for those in the reserve ranks.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s strategy of inserting sell-on clauses into outgoing deals continues, signalling an understanding that some departures may one day circle back in value.
Now, another promising youngster has made the difficult decision to leave the club in search of more game time.
Sergi Dominguez has completed a permanent transfer to Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb, as officially confirmed by the club via X.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
“Young Spanish defender Sergi Dominguez is Dinamo’s new player,” the statement from Zagreb read.
“Dominguez has signed a multi-year contract with the Blues, arriving at Maksimir after graduating from Barcelona’s renowned football academy, La Masia.”
“In coach Mario Kovacevic’s team, he will compete for a spot in the central part of the defensive line, primarily as a right-sided centre-back.”
Sergi Dominguez, who made six senior appearances for Barcelona last season after impressing on the pre-season tour of the USA, found first-team minutes limited due to fierce competition.
Rather than remain in a congested queue for playing time, the 20-year-old has opted to continue his development abroad, becoming the latest academy product to depart.
Barcelona are set to receive €1.2 million from the transfer and have retained a 20% sell-on clause.
Dominguez’s departure follows a string of exits from Barca Atletic this summer, including Diego Percan, Aleix Garrido, Ander Astralaga, and Pau Prim — raising questions over how the club plans to manage youth progression under Flick.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
