Valencia eye move for 20-year-old Barcelona gem who made La Liga debut under Flick | OneFootball

FC Barcelona may have made only a handful of signings this summer, but the arrivals of Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji have added serious competition to the flanks.

While these reinforcements strengthen Hansi Flick’s options, they also reduce the opportunities available for emerging talents like 20-year-old Dani Rodriguez.

One of Barcelona quarry’s brightest prospects, Rodriguez finds himself at a career crossroads. The Basque winger’s dream remains to succeed at Barça, but he is realistic enough to recognise that this season will offer him very few first-team minutes.

Instead of spending an entire season in the Segunda Federación (the fourth tier of Spanish football) with Barça Atlètic, a switch to La Liga side Valencia could offer the top-level platform he needs to further his development.

Valencia’s interest grows

Photo by TOM GOYVAERTS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images

According to Mundo Deportivo, Valencia are eager to bring Rodriguez in on loan to replace Fran Perez, who recently joined Rayo Vallecano.

The Mestalla outfit is expected to propose a loan with an option to buy at the end of the season — a financially viable solution for a club operating under tight budget constraints.

Rodriguez, who joined Barcelona’s academy from Real Sociedad in 2020, has steadily built his reputation despite setbacks.

Last season, he made his official debut for the first team in a league match against Valladolid but was forced off in the 37th minute due to a dislocated right shoulder, which later required surgery in May.

He still managed to register three goals and three assists in ten appearances for Barça Atlètic, impressive numbers given his injury struggles.

A special clause to keep him linked with Barcelona

While Barça and Flick both value Rodriguez’s potential, the competition ahead of him makes regular first-team action unlikely this term.

That is why a loan to Valencia is seen as a win-win: Rodriguez gains top-flight experience, and Barcelona maintain control over his future.

In line with recent cases such as Pablo Torre, the Catalans are expected to include a buy-back clause in any deal, ensuring they can re-sign Rodriguez should he fulfil his potential.

Known for his precise left foot, vision in the final third, and ability to combine with teammates, Rodriguez is now fully fit and eager to prove himself at the highest level. Valencia could be the perfect platform for him to do just that, and we will have to wait and see how things unfold in the coming days.