Juan Hernandez is one of the most highly-rated young talents coming through the ranks at FC Barcelona.
The 18-year-old La Masia attacking midfielder has emerged as one of the most important players in Juliano Belletti’s Barça Atletic setup this season, while he has also trained with the senior team on several occasions.
Given his promise and potential, Barcelona are working to secure Hernandez’s long-term future at the club, considering his current contract expires in June 2026.
Slow progress being made
Now, according to SPORT, a meeting took place on Friday between Juan Hernandez’s agent and Barcelona’s sporting department to try to bring their positions on a contract extension closer.
The La Liga champions have been working for months to secure the youth prodigy’s continuity, although an agreement is still some way off.
While the meeting led to slight progress, both parties remain apart in their positions. However, both sides remain confident of reaching an agreement.
Juan Hernandez of FC Barcelona
Juan Hernandez will be out of contract next year. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Hernandez, for his part, is firm in his intention to stay at Barcelona, despite several teams monitoring his situation, aware that the player will be out of contract this summer and could leave for free.
However, the La Masia talent is focused on Barça and on his development within the project. He has played 13 matches for Barça Atletic this term, scoring one goal and providing three assists, and has a virtually fixed role in Belletti’s plans.
Barcelona value his development and see it as a positive sign to continue pushing the negotiation forward. Although the agreement still feels distant, there is confidence that talks can gain momentum in the coming weeks.
Both parties remain in continuous contact and are expected to meet again to keep moving towards a renewal that would secure the teenager’s continuity for the next three seasons.