There remains a certain unique connection between FC Barcelona and entrusting the youth of today. Be it their own homegrown talents or players acquired from elsewhere, La Blaugrana are committed to developing and nurturing young players. It has worked out well for Barcelona in the past, and they continue to count on it even now.
Beyond just the mainstream leagues, however, the Catalan giants tend to look far and wide. While the emphasis of scouting in the African regions is a welcome addition to Barça’s growing list of youth programs, the Spanish side also tends to look deeper into the lower divisions of their domestic competitions.
Pedri was acquired from Las Palmas at one point, and Barça have no plans of stopping new promises who could similarly emerge from joining the club. Right now, as highlighted by SPORT, La Blaugrana currently have their eyes set on a certain 18-year-old forward from Segunda Division side Malaga.
That player is none other than Antonio Cordero, better known as Antonito, and he is a talent that Barcelona have been eyeing since quite some time. Previously, a bid from Barça worth around €3 million was rejected by his current club, but it seems that the odds are now favoring the team from the First Division.
With the player’s contract set to expire in 2025, Malaga do not wish to lose him for free. That is why even Barça’s reworked bid of around €2 million is seen as a good enough deal to consider now. However, while there may be some extra add-ons attached, SPORT reveals that they would be near impossible to achieve.
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BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 25: Raphinha and Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona warm up prior to the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF at Camp Nou on September 25, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
Picture shows FC Barcelona's badge displayed on a wall of the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on March 13, 2015.
VITORIA GASTEIZ, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 3: sports director Deco of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Deportivo Alaves v FC Barcelona at the Mendizorroza Stadium on February 3, 2024 in Vitoria Gasteiz Spain.
So far this season, the player has featured in 17 games for Malaga and has scored thrice while also assisting three times. The plan is to sign him in the January transfer window and initially put him with Barça Atletic. Over time, however, there is an understanding that Hansi Flick and the Barcelona first team will also be keeping an eye on him.