Barcelona have ramped up their efforts to retain emerging talent this summer as interest in La Masia’s brightest continues to grow.
The club’s academy has produced another successful campaign, capped off by their U19s lifting the UEFA Youth League trophy.
Sporting director Deco has reportedly been reviewing contract situations of key youth players in a bid to avoid losing them for cheap.
With the club still operating under financial strain, Barcelona’s youth ranks have become both a beacon of hope and a target for vultures abroad.
Now, one teenage midfielder could be the next to walk away from Catalonia.
According to Sky Sports, Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester United are both tracking Juan Hernandez Torres, the standout attacking midfielder who played a vital role in Barcelona’s UEFA Youth League triumph.
The 17-year-old, who turns 18 in July, is attracting serious interest from England, with both clubs considering whether to activate the modest £5 million (€6 million) buyout clause in his current youth contract.
Juan Hernandez Torres has enjoyed a breakout season, scoring twice in the Youth League campaign, including the decisive goal in the semi-final against AZ Alkmaar — a performance that reportedly caught the eye of United scouts in attendance.
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Chelsea are said to be preparing a plan that includes a potential loan to French sister club Strasbourg to give Torres senior experience, while Manchester United could offer a fast-tracked integration into their U21 setup under Ruben Amorim’s new regime.
Barcelona are aware of the threat and are believed to be rushing to offer Torres a professional deal that includes a higher buyout clause and assurances about a future pathway to the first team.
Club insiders have stressed the importance of protecting homegrown assets after the departures of players like Ilias Akhomach and Xavi Simons in recent years.
Hernandez Torres is considered one of the brightest talents in Spain’s U19 setup and is widely tipped for senior international recognition in the near future.
If Barca fail to act swiftly, they risk losing yet another gem — and this time to one of their Champions League rivals.
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