Barcelona youngster in talks to join Portuguese club

As per reports from Marca, Barcelona are in talks with Famalicao over the transfer of the B team striker Rey Manaj. The negotiations are said to be in a very advanced stage, and the deal looks likely to go through.

Barcelona signed the Albanian international from Albacete Balompie in January 2020 for around two million euros. The 24-year-old had a rough start to his career at the Catalan capital but soon began showing signs of improvement.

The signing came off the back of a domino of events that started with Fransisco Trincao’s arrival. The Portuguese youngster’s arrival saw the B team lose a homegrown striker in Abel Ruiz. Manaj was seen as a direct replacement to the departing Spaniard as a number 9.

Barcelona’s financial crisis has them looking for potential sources of revenue in all directions. The Albanian striker looks to be the next piece in the mission to mend the broken bridge.

Despite negotiations with Famalicao being in advanced stages, the deal’s structure is yet to be ascertained. The possibilities are still wide open, with chances of both a loan deal and a sale still on the table.

From the Catalan end, the side prefers a permanent transfer as it would allow them to receive some money. The Portuguese end of the table, however, is seen to prefer a loan structured deal. What seems likely, however, is a loan deal with an option to buy.

In his 22 appearances for the B team last season, the 24-year-old scored 14 goals and bagged two assists. Having played for clubs like Inter Milan, Cremonese, and Granada, the youngster is no stranger to new challenges. A move looks likely to be sealed in the coming days, and the club is looking to accelerate negotiations.