Barcelona to pass on permanent option for Yusuf Demir | OneFootball

Barcelona are set to pass on the permanent option for Yusuf Demir.

The Austria international is on-loan at Barca from Rapid Vienna and was a revelation in the early rounds of the season.

However, Sport via Voetbalzone says with Demir's early impact now fading Barca are rethinking plans of buying him outright.

Barca have paid €500,000 for his season-long loan with his permanent option worth €10m. This will be triggered if Demir plays in 20 games at least 45 minutes.

“He played a good preseason, but the pressure became too much when the competition started. At a certain point he only made safe choices," a Barca source told Sport.

In Barca's five preseason friendlies, coach Ronald Koeman started the teen in four and was rewarded with a goal and an assist. Demir was originally signed for Sergi Barjuan's B team, however his preseason form saw him earn instant promotion to the first team squad.

But with his current struggles, Demir is now kicking his heels on the sidelines. He has made five competitive appearances for Barca so far.

- updated October 27