FC Barcelona still has many targets on their wish list for the upcoming years ahead. While their current squad is packed with elite talents, the sustainability of many of those stars is rather questionable. Some are there temporarily while others are likely to not stay for much longer due to age.
For this, Barcelona has turned their focus towards betting on some of the elites of tomorrow. Many of the names beginning to surface on this front seem to hail from South America. However, it seems that one of those names is already slipping from the fingers of Barcelona.
Gianluca Prestianni, aged 17, is the name in question. A winger for Argentine side Velez Sarsfield, SPORT claims that he was a real target for Barcelona. With an active €3 million release clause present in his current contract, Barça reportedly saw it as a great opportunity.
However, it now seems that the president of the club has confirmed a different route of departure for the player. Fabian Berlanga, newly elected president of Velez Sarsfield, highlights SL Benfica as the club that has submitted a formal offer for the 17-year-old.
“There is an offer on the table from Benfica. Of course, we are currently analyzing it. We will not come in the way of the player’s sale because the club needs the funds from it.”
Reportedly, the offer from Benfica reaches a figure of €8 million for 85% of the player’s rights. This is understandably much more than what his release clause would afford Sarsfield. However, the president did confirm that the sale will only take place after January of next year.
“He cannot be sold before that date as he still remains a minor. However, there is a pre-agreement. With the funds from his transfer, we will be able to cover other positions in the squad that need work.”
Previously, both Barcelona and Real Madrid were interested in the player. Seen as a great asset in terms of his dribbling and ability to take on opponents, it seems that his talents will likely now be on display in Portugal.
