Exit-bound Barcelona winger misses training

There was a lot of excitement among the Barcelona supporters when they saw Yusuf Demir in action during the pre-season.

Demir was signed from Austrian outfit Rapid Vienna on a loan deal for the B team, with an option to make the transfer permanent. The teenage winger was handed an opportunity with the senior squad during the pre-season by then-manager Ronald Koeman.

The youngster made such a huge impression that the Dutch tactician decided to officially promote him to the first-team heading into the new season. Demir was a regular fixture in the starting XI early in the campaign for Barça, but the forward failed to make any sort of impact.

Slowly, Koeman lost faith in the 18-year-old and things did not improve for the teen under his successor Xavi Hernandez. In all, Demir has made nine appearances across all competitions, without scoring or assisting a single goal.

The Austrian failing to make the desired impact coupled with the emergence of Ez Abde has meant that the former’s time at Camp Nou is now set to come to an end. Indeed, Barcelona have decided to cut short his loan move in January, with Demir set to head back to his parent club, Rapid Vienna, imminently.

As per the clause agreed in the summer, Barcelona would have to pay €10 million to Rapid Vienna and sign him permanently, if Demir plays ten matches for the Catalans. Currently on nine appearances, the youngster has played his last game for the Blaugrana.

Now, Albert Roge of SPORT has reported that the 18-year-old did not report for training on Tuesday when the squad returned from the mid-season break, providing further indication that his time at Camp Nou is fast arriving at an end.

While he may be leaving Barcelona shortly, Demir might not stay for long at Rapid Vienna either, as a number of clubs in the Bundesliga are vying to sign him up.