The summer transfer window is entering its final stretch, but the FC Barcelona exit door remains busy.
Following the imminent departures of Toni Fernandez and Alvaro Cortes, the next name expected to leave the club is Guille Fernandez, reports SPORT.
Training away from the group
After Roony Bardghji’s injury came just as his transfer was virtually complete, Barcelona decided that players who were not part of Hansi Flick’s plans would train separately from the main group. This was done to avoid further last-minute complications caused by injuries.
Under this policy, Guille has been training individually, alongside other players in similar situations, including Marc Casado. Their work has focused on maintaining their physical condition while they wait for their respective transfers to be completed.
His representative, Jorge Mendes, has been negotiating the terms of his departure with Barça executives for several days. The midfielder is regarded as one of La Masia’s biggest prospects in recent years.
Guille Fernandez expected to leave soon. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
His profile, physical capacity, ability to arrive in the opposition box and change of pace have attracted interest from several clubs, particularly in the Premier League and Bundesliga.
Barça want to retain significant control
Although both sides are keen to reach an agreement, there are still important details to resolve. Barcelona want to retain a substantial percentage of his economic rights as well as an accessible buy-back option.
The Blaugrana remain convinced that the 18-year-old has considerable room for development and does not want to completely relinquish control over his future.
The possibility of a long-term renewal followed by a loan move was initially considered, but Barça have instead prioritised the model used with other academy players this summer: a permanent transfer while retaining rights and a buy-back clause.
Barça wish to retain control over Guille’s future. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The final decision is expected to come during the closing stages of the transfer window, which shuts on Tuesday, September 1.
For his part, Guille is looking for a destination where he can guarantee regular minutes and a more prominent role.
Newcastle pushed hard
Newcastle United were one of the clubs showing the strongest interest and even submitted an offer for the midfielder, which Barcelona rejected.
Several other clubs from Spain, Germany and the Premier League are also continuing to push for the teenage prospect.
With the market approaching its deadline, the sale for Guille is expected to be one of Barça’s final pieces of business.