Barcelona coaches prefer teenage La Liga right-back over 27-year-old star – report

When Barcelona signed Hector Bellerin on the transfer deadline day last summer, it was clear that the Spaniard was brought in only as an emergency option and was not very high on the club’s wishlist.

A former La Masia prospect, Bellerin has struggled to perform at the level required for the Blaugrana. As a result, he has been overlooked by manager Xavi Hernandez, who has preferred Sergi Roberto, Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde and even left-back Alejandro Balde over him.

The 27-year-old signed just a one-year contract with Barcelona upon his arrival and as things stand, it is extremely unlikely that the Catalans will renew his deal.

Instead, Diari ARA is reporting that the Barça coaches would prefer to bet on another former La Masia trainee in Arnau Martinez, who is thriving at Girona.

The 19-year-old right-back spent several years within Barcelona’s La Masia setup before leaving for L’Hospitalet in 2016. After two years, he joined Girona’s youth team and has progressed to become a first-team member for the Catalan club.

Martinez was a regular in the side last season as Girona earned promotion back to La Liga. The 19-year-old has made a solid impression in his debut campaign in the Spanish top flight as well, managing two goals and an assist in 12 league appearances.

The teenage defender has not hidden the fact that he would love to return to Barcelona, albeit only as a first-team player.

With the Barça coaches also seemingly rating Martinez highly, the club could explore the possibility of signing him in the summer transfer window.

The 19-year-old’s contract with Girona runs until the summer of 2025 but comes with a release clause worth €20 million. Given Barcelona’s financial situation, it remains to be seen if they would be open to shelling out that sum to re-sign the former La Masia ace.