Barcelona close to completing their second signing of the summer

Barcelona are close to completing the signing of young Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas, in what would be the club’s second summer arrival.

According to SPORT, Barça have managed to move ahead of the competition thanks to the player’s desire to wear the Blaugrana shirt.

The interest around Salinas is widespread. Newcastle, Bologna, PSG, Eintracht Frankfurt, Atletico Madrid, Porto and Bayer Leverkusen have all been linked with the 19-year-old Spaniard.

The clause question is key

The main issue now is the release clause. Racing Santander believe it stands at €8 million, but this is where Barça are looking at options.

The club are trying to avoid paying the full amount and are exploring a formula that could include one of the reserve-team players moving to Racing on loan, which may be attractive for the Cantabrian side as they prepare for life in a higher division.

That is smart from Barça. The club need young defensive talent, but every euro still matters. If they can reduce the cash cost while offering Racing a useful loan piece, this could become a sensible deal for all sides.

A first-team pathway matters

Salinas has accepted the idea of joining Barcelona after learning the club’s plan for him. He would do pre-season under Hansi Flick and receive a first-team licence.

That matters because Barcelona are not just selling the brand here. They are selling a project to the teenager.

Salinas is young, left-footed, physically interesting and has already shown that he can contribute in attack, including seven assists this season for Racing.

His arrival would not mean Barcelona have abandoned their interest in Joao Cancelo. That is important. Cancelo remains a separate operation because of his versatility and immediate starting role.

Salinas would be a different kind of move: a high-upside signing for the present and future. If Barça close it, it will be yet another feather in Deco’s cap as he continues to make waves in this transfer window.