Talent development and promotion is a key part of the identity of FC Barcelona, but the club’s emphasis on youth is particularly on display this season. Several youngsters like Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez have been playing an important role in the first-team, and now Pau Cubarsi and Hector Fort have also entered the fray of first-team football.
It is clear that Barcelona are intent on creating their next project centered around these youth talents, and the club is already doing its work in this regard. This was clear when the Catalans reached a preliminary agreement for the contract renewal of another of their youngsters, the goalkeeper Diego Kochen.
Under this agreement, Kochen will sign a four-year contract with Barcelona once he turns 18 years of age. As Mundo Deportivo has reported, the goalkeeper shared his feelings on the agreement in a media talk before his side’s match against Mainz 05 in the UEFA Youth League play-off. The youngster stated:
“I’m really happy, honestly, and very grateful to the club for giving me this opportunity. It’s every kid’s dream to renew and stay in this great club, and to have support from within the club and also from my family. I couldn’t be happier.”
After sharing his happiness at the renewal, Kochen also analyzed his team’s difficult match against Mainz:
“They are a strong and aggressive opponent. Just like us, they want to win. They are hungry to progress to the next round, and we need to be prepared for that. I believe we are ready, and we need to give our all. We are all very excited to play this match.”
“It’s a great opportunity to compete and enjoy the beauty of this tournament, which is being able to travel together, experience these moments, and play in these stadiums away from home.”
If Barcelona Juvenil gets a victory in this tie, they will advance to the Round of 16 of the UEFA Youth League. Kochen will be particularly looking to impress, as he has got his renewal, and a promotion to the first team will now be in his sights.
