The Blaugrana are dealing with countless crises at the moment, which include the apparent contract stalemate with one of their academy gems – Ilaix Moriba. Reports suggest the club fear rivals Real Madrid might be pulling strings in the background.
The 18-year-old midfielder broke through into the first team under Ronald Koeman, made 18 appearances, and scored one stunning goal.
Among the countless crises Barcelona are dealing with at the moment, Moriba’s contract situation has receded into the background. The teenager is yet to agree to new terms proposed by his club, which, in turn, has led to his continued absence from training. The club insists that Moriba remains on the sidelines until a solution vis-a-vis his contract – which ends in 2022 – can be reached.
Goal reports that Barcelona are suspicious of Real Madrid in the ongoing contract stalemate with Moriba. The club believes Los Blancos are attempting to steal Moriba away from them by offering him better terms. The report also states that Moriba’s representatives have denied that to be the case.
Barcelona are aware of Moriba’s talents and consider the Guinean to be among the best youth prospects at the club. That is evidenced by the fact that the club tied him down to a three-year contract back in 2019 – worth one million euros. Should Barcelona fail to reach an agreement with the player, they could decide to sell him on for a profit rather than lose him on a free transfer next summer when his contract expires.
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Another Barcelona prospect recently linked with a move away is Alejandro Balde. The 17-year-old is thought to be among the most talented youngsters in the club’s youth system, and he too is entering the final year of his contract. Chelsea reportedly approached to sign Balde but faced rejection from the player, who is now likely to pen a new deal to keep him at the club until 2026.
