The transfer window may have closed at the start of September, but Barcelona have still been very active in pursuit of strengthening their La Masia ranks. They are hoping to win the race for JJ Gabriel’s signature once the 15-year-old sensation leaves Manchester United, and in the meantime, they have added another forward into their youth setup.
Last week, it was reported that [Barcelona have reached an agreement to sign Dany Freire](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/barcelona-complete-signing-of-portuguese-wonderkid-after-successful-trial/). The 16-year-old, who has represented Luxemburg and Portugal at youth international level, was previously on trial in the summer, and after impressing La Masia coaches, the decided was made to bring him in from CS Fola Esch.
On Wednesday, [Barcelona made Freire’s signing official](https://x.com/FCBmasia/status/2102710335522455854?s=20). The teenager, who is considered to be a very exciting prospect within his age group, penned his contract alongside José Ramon Alexanco, who is the club’s director of youth football.
Barcelona have been known to fast-track players from a young age, and while this could happen with Freire, it’s likely that he will initially be with the U18s. His trial period came in the same category, which is why it makes sense to keep him there for the time being, although he will surely have chances to be with the U19s for the UEFA Youth League.
Freire is one of several La Masia stars that Barcelona first team head coach Hansi Flick is bound to have his eye on over the coming weeks and months. The German has never been scared to count on the academy, as he has shown in the cases of Xavi Espart and Marc Bernal among others. However, patience must be stressed in Freire’s case, as it will surely be some time before he gets within a sniff of the senior squad.