A rising Barcelona star has turned down a lucrative €20 million offer from Saudi Arabia, but his future at the club remains uncertain.
As the 2025 summer transfer window nears its close, a promising young talent from FC Barcelona’s academy is making headlines for both his ambition and a looming departure.
According to Jijantes FC, the teenage winger, once tipped as a breakout star for the pre-season, turned down a lucrative four-year contract worth approximately €20 million from Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
However, his relationship with the club has since soured, and he now appears set to leave the La Liga champions, with Mallorca emerging as a likely destination.
The situation highlights the challenges young players face in balancing dreams with opportunities at a club like Barcelona.
The player in question is Jan Virgili, a 19-year-old winger who played a pivotal role in Barça Juvenil A’s treble success last season.
Despite high expectations, Virgili was omitted from Barcelona’s first-team pre-season tour of Asia, a decision that has strained his ties with the club.
Reports suggest Barcelona are frustrated with his reluctance to spend time with the reserve team, while Virgili seeks regular first-team football.
His earlier decision to reject a Saudi offer—worth around €5 million annually—underscored his commitment to succeeding at Barcelona, his lifelong dream.
Yet, with limited pathways to the senior squad, his stance has shifted, and an exit now seems inevitable.
Saudi Arabia has successfully attracted other Barcelona talents, such as Unai Hernandez, while Pau Prim and Arnau Pradas moved to Qatar and the UAE, respectively.
Virgili’s rejection of their substantial offer was notable, but his current situation reflects the intense competition within Barcelona’s youth system.
As the transfer window deadline approaches on September 1, 2025, Virgili’s potential move to Mallorca could offer him the first-team minutes he craves.
For Barcelona, this saga serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between nurturing academy stars and managing their aspirations, especially when lucrative offers from abroad loom large.
The coming days will determine Virgili’s next chapter, but his talent ensures he’ll remain one to watch.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
