Barcelona scouting 18-year-old attacking midfield prodigy with €7 million release clause

Barcelona were heading into the January transfer window with very few expectations. However, the transfer saga of Memphis Depay has made the club quite busy this week, with Atletico Madrid reportedly in talks to sign the Dutchman.

It goes without saying that Depay’s potential departure will impact the club’s attacking ranks. And to that end, it appears the club are already preparing for the future by scouting Oscar Gloukh, reports Israeli news outlet One.

An attacking midfielder by trade, Gloukh currently plies his trade at Maccabi Tel Aviv. Aged just 18, the youngster made his professional breakthrough last season and has since become a vital asset in the club’s attacking unit.

Gloukh has indeed featured in 31 competitive matches for Maccabi Tel Aviv, racking up nine goals and six assists. A majority of his goal involvements have come in the current season, with the attacker’s contributions being key to helping his club remain in contention for the title race.

The report suggests Barcelona scouts have been keeping close tabs on the progress of Gloukh and have twice watched him in action. They have been left impressed by the youngster’s performances and there appears to be a possibility of a move in the near future.

It further suggests that Maccabi Tel Aviv had received an offer from Turkish giants Besiktas for the services of Gloukh. But the Israeli outfit rejected the advances, as they have no intention to offload the player during the ongoing January transfer window.

It appears that Maccabi Tel Aviv want to wait until the summer before taking a decision on Gloukh’s future.

The player’s contract at the club expires in the summer of 2025 and has a release clause worth €7 million. He is also being pursued by a host of other clubs like AS Roma, Ajax, Tottenham, Dortmund, Feyenoord, PSV Eindhoven, Marseille, Monaco, and Benfica.

What remains to be seen is whether Barcelona’s interest in the exciting 18-year-old Gloukh turns into a formal approach come summer.