The lack of financial muscle has forced FC Barcelona to look at new ways to incorporate signings rather than the traditional bidding wars. However, competition exists in many forms across various markets. Even as they hunt for youngsters, Barcelona manage to find competition.
Yet, despite the odds being against them, the Catalan club hopes to control the youth market as much as possible. After striking some very lucrative and sensational youth deals over the last few seasons, such as those of Pedri and Ronald Araujo, Barcelona now hope to continue in that stride.
As per the latest report from SPORT, Barcelona are now eyeing a certain central defender from Romania. Named Radu Dragusin, the defender born in Bucharest currently plays for Serie A side Genoa in Italy.
At 1.91 meters tall, he is quite the physical specimen. Moreover, his athletic capabilities combine with those physical attributes to make him a very complete defender. In fact, the Romanian defender has even been nicknamed the ‘New Araujo’ given the similarities in their profiles.
Previously bought by Italian giants Juventus, he was then initially loaned out several times. Sampdoria, Salernitana, and lastly Genoa all kept him on loan at different points. However, the latter finally decided to permanently sign him in the summer for around €5-6 million.
As it stands, the player is still only 21 years old and at the beginning of a developing career. Given Barça’s new strategy to pursue upcoming talents rather than go all out for established superstars, Dragusin fits the bill perfectly.
Currently valued at €10 million by Transfermarkt, SPORT also reveals that he has a release clause of €30 million. The Romanian is a player that Barcelona would reportedly like to have under their own roof, and it will be interesting to see where their intent with him takes them.