It is no secret that FC Barcelona continues to house some of football’s most exciting talents. Regardless of where or how their wealth has been spent in recent years, Barça’s own talent production still remains faultless. Undoubtedly, La Masia and the youth categories of the club remain the great beacons of hope for Barcelona, and a kind of beacon that is enviable for others.
Through the eruption of stars like the record-breaking Lamine Yamal, Olympics-bound Pau Cubarsi, Golden Boy winner Gavi, and many other talented starlets, it is clear to see why La Masia and the Barcelona subsidiary are as prestigious and appreciated within Barça as they are. Even in times of desperation, the club can count on its youngsters to provide.
However, a major loss last season was the injury to La Masia-developed fullback, Alejandro Balde. The Spanish left-back’s speed and strength were both greatly missed, and his absence was one of the main reasons that the club struggled as much as they did.
Fortunately for Barcelona, they seem to have found a great backup option this time around from the subsidiary as well. Gerard Martin, aged 22, is a left-back who possesses great physical strength and has a lot of traits that suit the offensive style of play that Hansi Flick wants to implement.
However, his irruption within the B team was not only noticed by the first-team coaches. According to Mundo Deportivo, clubs from Spain, Germany, and Italy have even sent offers for the talented Spanish fullback but they have all been rejected by both Barça and even the player himself.
His desire remains to play for Barcelona next season and grow within the team. Moreover, the club has now come to understand his true value and sees him as a strong potential back-up and alternative to Alejandro Balde, who is also fully fit now.
Moreover, Flick remains personally impressed with Martin, and even when he initially arrived he was excited by the reports he received on the player.
The 22-year-old left-back’s contract does end in 2025, but the renewal talks are not worrying any involved party. They believe that with the level that he has shown so far, it can almost be taken for granted that the Catalan giants will end up extending his stay. Moreover, given the strict and demanding schedule of the upcoming season, it does not hurt Barcelona to have such a reliable option available.
