Exit-bound Barcelona winger could stay if club can offload other forwards

Ferran Jutgla has enjoyed an eventful 2021/22 campaign so far. Signed by Barcelona on a Bosman deal from local rivals Espanyol, the 23-year-old has been in red-hot form the club’s B team.

The versatile forward, who can play anywhere across the frontline, has plundered 18 goals for Sergi Barjuan’s side, helping them to stay in contention for the playoffs in the Primera Division RFEF.

Jutgla even enjoyed a brief stint with the Barcelona first-team towards the end of 2021 and in early 2022 when Xavi was starved of options in attack. The 23-year-old featured nine times for the senior side, scoring two goals and making a good general impression.

With his contract set to expire on June 30, Barcelona have been receiving a lot of enquiries over his availability in the summer, reports SPORT. It is claimed that clubs from within La Liga and abroad are keen on landing Jutgla and have been contacting the Catalans in that regard.

The amount of interest he is generating has now led Barça to consider extending his contract so that they can protect his value and then sell him in the summer for a sizeable transfer fee.

Given the club’s financial situation, such a move would make sense, more so considering that Jutgla cannot continue with the B team next term if they fail to win promotion while a spot in the first team is hard to find.

However, the report adds that there may be a chance that Jutgla is integrated into the senior setup by Xavi depending on the future of the other forwards in the ranks.

As things stand, Ousmane Dembele is yet to renew his contract while Adama Traore is unlikely to be signed permanently. Furthermore, with Martin Braithwaite and Memphis Depay staring at uncertain futures and Luuk de Jong set to depart, there could be space for Jutgla.

Barça are targeting a top-quality striker in the market. But, the report states that Xavi values Jutgla’s versatility and attitude. So, there may be a chance that the 22-year-old could be given a shot in the pre-season by the manager before a call on his future is taken.