While there has been minimal activity in the first-team squad this January, FC Barcelona are overseeing multiple operations in their reserve team.
One such operation involves the impending departure of young defender Andres Cuenca.
A talented prospect from La Masia, the 18-year-old starlet made his first-team debut for Barcelona last season and has played regularly for Barça Atletic under Juliano Belletti.
However, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, Cuenca is all set to move on from his boyhood club in the coming days.
Agreement reached with Como
In fact, according to a report from Mundo Deportivo, the agreement between Barcelona and Como 1907 for the transfer of Cuenca is considered a done deal.
As has previously been reported, the Catalans will not receive a transfer fee for the teenage defender, but will retain a 20% future sell-on clause.
Now, the agreement between the two clubs is being taken as a given. However, Cuenca will not play for Como in the second half of the ongoing season.
Barcelona player Andres Cuenca
Cuenca on his way to Como. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Instead, the plan is for the 18-year-old Spanish prospect to be loaned out to a third club so that he can play regularly and continue his development.
One of the main candidates for that are Sporting Gijon, whose executive president spoke openly about the interest in Cuenca.
The idea would be for the 18-year-old starlet to gain regular first-team minutes in a competitive environment after completing his move to Como.
The operation, therefore, would be structured in two stages: a permanent transfer from Barcelona to Como, followed by an immediate loan to another club, with Sporting among the best-positioned options.
The final destination should be confirmed once the remaining details between the three parties involved are resolved.