FC Barcelona thought Marc Guiu was the next big La Masia starlet who would help the first team in the coming years. Xavi Hernandez placed a lot of trust in the 18-year-old, giving him his first team debut last season.
Guiu’s first touch on the football pitch as a senior Barcelona player was a goal. Although he remained in the first-team picture last season, the presence of Robert Lewandowski meant playing time was very hard to come by.
This summer, Chelsea approached to sign the teenage Spaniard and paid his €6m release clause. Guiu accepted the move to Stamford Bridge and Enzo Maresca has placed immense trust on him in the pre-season.
Meanwhile, Barcelona swiftly proceeded to sign 22-year-old Pau Victor from Girona and the youngster has hit the ground running in pre-season, scoring three goals in two games against Man City and Real Madrid.
Although it is disappointing to see a highly-rated La Masia starlet leave. Guiu explained to Daily Mail (via Mundo Deportivo) that it was his dream to play in the Premier League and that he could not say no. The teenage striker also offered more details about this decision.
The Spanish youngster went on to add that he spoke to former Chelsea full-back Juliano Belletti, the former Chelsea player ( 2007-2010 ) and current manager of FC Barcelona’s U-19 team, ahead of the move to Chelsea. The Brazilian also played for Barça between 2004 and 2007 before moving to Stamford Bridge.
Ever since this move to the Blues became official, Guiu has made an effort to remain on good terms with the Barcelona fans by trying to explain the rationale behind his transfer. It’s obvious that his love for the Catalan club is immense.
Although it was disappointing to see Marc Guiu walk through the door, we have already found a replacement in Pau Victor. Let’s hope that the 18-year-old Spaniard can impress at Chelsea and hopefully come back to Barcelona someday in the future if the opportunity arises.
