Barcelona looking at three La Masia talents to serve as backup for key position next season | OneFootball

Barcelona’s standout season does not leave many holes in the squad gaping and calling out for reinforcement.

The defence and midfield look relatively stable and a few signings may be pioneered if the finances permit.

The priority, however, is signing a new winger who can compete with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal and provide an option to rotate.

Nico Williams and Luis Diaz were some of the names linked with a move to Catalonia on that front, but the tight finances may not permit such a star signing. The solution, once again, is seen in La Masia.

Three candidates shine

As relayed in a recent report by SPORT, Barcelona sporting director Deco sees three players in the academy and reserve teams who can step up and serve as the much-needed backup in the department.

The first name is that of Dani Rodriguez who is widely seen as one of the academy’s best young attacking talents.

The youngster made his debut for Barcelona in the team’s recent game against Real Valladolid and showed his class in the first half of the game. An unfortunate shoulder injury, however, cut his night short and forced him to undergo surgery.

Toni Fernandez being considered for a first-team promotion. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Dani will again be available by the end of August and Flick may look to hand him a bigger role once he is back. His fitness, however, has been delicate and must be handled with care.

The second option of Toni Fernandez, the 16-year-old phenom who is seen as a lethal winger in the lower levels.

With Barça Atletic likely to be relegated, he could immediately be promoted to Hansi Flick’s side if he shows his class in pre-season, like he did last summer.

Jan Virgili is the third player whose name sounds in Catalonia as the best big young winger. He is in his first season at the club and has been a key player for the Juvenil A team as well as the reserve team with his electric pace, dribbling and goalscoring prowess.

With six goal contributions already to his name in just nine starts in the RFEF Primera Division, he could hold the key to Flick’s conundrum.