FC Barcelona has made the signing of Josue Caceido from LDU Quito on a loan deal. The 18-year-old Ecuadorian left-back will spend at least one season in Catalonia, primarily playing for Juliano Belletti's Barca Atletic. The agreement includes a $2.85 million buy-option, which becomes an obligation if Caceido makes four senior appearances under Hansi Flick. LDU Quito will also retain a 20% stake in any future sale. Caceido, known for his speed and offensive prowess, was scouted at the U-20 Copa Libertadores and attracted interest from multiple European clubs, but Barcelona secured the talent, eyeing both his potential and future sell-on value. Young players often get preseason opportunities with Flick's first team.
Josue Caceido is about to become a new FC Barcelona player in the reserves initially.
FC Barcelona have confirmed a new signing as reported by MARCA and various other outlets around Spain.
FC Barcelona have made a new signing as reported by MARCA and various other outlets around Spain.
The La Liga champions are doubling down on a verbal agreement struck with LDU Quito in Ecuardo last week to sign Josue Caceido on loan.
Caceido will spend at least a season in Catalonia, and there’s a buy-option of $2.85 million (€2.5 million) to obtain him permanently.
If Caceido progresses to Hansi Flick’s first team and makes four senior appearances, the clause will automatically be triggered and become an obligation.
In the case that Caceido becomes a permanent fixture at FC Bacelona, LDU Quito would retain a 20% stake in any future sale.
Caceido turned 18 last year, but he’ll not play in the Juvenil youth team in La Masia. Instead, he’s expected to star for Juliano Belletti’s Barca Atletic reserve outfit.
Amid turning 50, the scorer of the winning goal in the 2005/2006 Champions League final against Arsenal in Paris renewed his contract to man the Barca Atletic dugout for at least another year.
As we’ve seen in previous years, though, young Barca Atletic and La Masia stars get the chance to impress Flick in preseason training.
In the German’s last two summers, we’ve seen him call up names such as Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, Tommy Marques and Xavi Espart to preseason camp.
If Flick likes what he sees, these types of budding talent then get the chance to remain part of the first team transfer and stay with the seniors for what in Caceido’s case would be the upcoming 2026/2027 campaign.
Of Ecuadorian origin, Caceido first caught the attention of Barca scouts during the last edition of the U-20 Copa Libertadores, which can be compared to the UEFA Youth League.
He is a full-back that usually operates on the left, and standings out for his speed and physical prowess while 1.83 meters tall.
Caceido is typically offensive-minded left back from South America and attracted the interest of many European teams.
Once more, however, FC Barcelona has beaten the rest of the back to a young talent that will have sell-on value even if he doesn’t make it to the elite on Flick’s watch.