Beyond just the Barcelona first team, other departments and teams of the club strive for excellence as well. The quarry that produces many talented pearls for the first team continues to aim for objectives themselves as well. However, for even Barcelona Atletic to succeed, a strong crop of players is a necessity.
The subsidiary that continues to learn and play under the guidance of Rafa Marquez has seen several high-profile players from within its ranks become first-team superstars this season. However, even Xavi Hernandez and the Barcelona first team have not uncovered all their strongest assets just yet.
One such asset is none other than 21-year-old central defender Mamadou Mbacke, who continues to be a necessity and guarantee for Rafa Marquez. He has been a mainstay in the subsidiary this season, and no one doubts his ability and quality to potentially even be able to play for the first team.
However, the primary issue is that he is still on a loan deal from MLS side Los Angeles FC. According to SPORT, moreover, it seems that Barcelona are now being put in a difficult spot and have been given an ultimatum in terms of retaining the Senegalese talent who continues to inspire Barcelona Atletic.
At the moment, speculation suggests that there is a €4 million purchase option attached to Mbacke’s name. While under normal circumstances, this would have been a no-brainer for Barcelona. However, given their financial predicament, it has become much more of a debate within the club.
One of the main reasons Barcelona are a bit hesitant to pay that amount is the fact that their priority lies within the first team. First and foremost, Xavi’s team needs to be invested in and worked upon to create a squad that can compete for titles next season.
Secondly, due to the overbooking of centre-backs at the club, Barcelona is not too sure about the necessity of needing another central defender. Pau Cubarsi, Mikayil Faye, and others are already of proven quality and already owned by Barcelona. Their quality is undeniable and they already have made more headway in terms of becoming first-team starlets.
