Espanyol could help Barcelona earn €5 million as they eye former La Masia defender | OneFootball

After paying €25 million plus inflation for Joan Garcia, FC Barcelona might soon recoup a chunk of that money from their city rivals RCD Espanyol.

According to MARCA (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Espanyol are seriously considering the signing of Mika Marmol, a 23-year-old defender currently at Las Palmas.

As it so happens, Barcelona retain a 50% future sell-on clause for the defender, who came through the ranks at La Masia.

€5 million for Barcelona?

Marmol has a €10 million release clause in his contract at Las Palmas. The Canary Islanders, despite suffering relegation, have no plans to negotiate that number down.

The club’s president, Miguel Angel Ramirez, was blunt last week: “If someone pays the €10 million, he’ll leave. If not, Mika stays.”

Espanyol want Mika Marmol. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Como and AS Roma are tracking the former La Masia talent with Espanyol also now considering a move for the defender.

If Espanyol push ahead and pay the full clause, Barça would immediately receive €5 million – a welcome rebate after the Garcia deal.

Marmol, whose contract with Las Palmas runs until 2026, is not inclined to renew. He is expected to push for a transfer this summer, with an eye on playing in a more ambitious environment.

The situation is heating up and Barça are watching closely. Whoever triggers that clause will be handing over a cut to the La Liga champions.

Barcelona have already pocketed a sizeable sum from deals involving former players this summer, with money coming in from transfers involving Jean-Clair Todibo, Ludovit Reis, Alex Collado, and Alex Valle, among others. Marmol could soon join the list.