Jan Virgili was very much in contention to be on FC Barcelona’s pre-season tour of Asia, having been training with the first-team squad over the past couple of weeks.
However, the 19-year-old was ultimately left behind by manager Hansi Flick following the arrivals of attackers like Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji.
Since then, rumours of a possible departure for Virgili have been doing the rounds, with Mallorca one of the clubs interested.
Mallorca want to push as Girona show interest
However, according to AS, Barcelona’s Catalan rivals, Girona, have also shown an interest in signing Jan Virgili.
As such, Mallorca want to push for the 19-year-old winger’s signing and beat their La Liga rivals in the transfer race.
What next for Jan Virgili? (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Mallorca manager Jagoba Arrasate’s main concern is the lack of depth in wide attacking positions. And, Virgili has emerged as their first target to reinforce the department.
With no room in the first team following the arrivals of Rashford and Bardghji, and Barça Atletic currently competing in the RFEF Segunda Division, there is a real risk that his development could stagnate at the reserve level.
As such, a move to Mallorca would be viewed positively by all parties, though Girona have also expressed interest.
Mallorca, though, are also looking at Gabri Martinez, a 22-year-old left winger currently playing for Braga, as an alternative.
It remains to be seen if Virgili leaves Barcelona this summer or not. In case of a permanent transfer, the La Liga champions are likely to insist on the presence of a future sell-on clause and buyback options.