Barça chased Salinas but talks ended without a deal

Barça have run into Jorge Salinas (Racing de Santander) as one of their summer targets for the left-back spot, even if nothing materialised. As Mundo Deportivo reports, the Blaugrana explored contacts with the player’s camp and with the Cantabrian club, with Jorge Mendes acting as mediator.

The pitch from Barça’s side was clear: a young player with room to grow, and also versatile, able to operate both as a left-footed centre-back and on the left flank. Mundo Deportivo places the interest in the summer, after Salinas delivered a standout season with Racing, fitting the club’s idea of signing for the future rather than an immediate starter.

Talks that stalled on price

The deal never got over the line because of the valuation. Barça believed the move should fall in the five or six million euro range, while Racing insisted on the player’s 16-million euro release clause. The Racing position was decisive: they didn’t want to lose one of their biggest talents right after earning promotion and would only entertain a transfer if the full clause amount was paid.

Mundo Deportivo adds that the market closed without an agreement and that neither Barça nor other major clubs who enquired could convince Racing. Atlético Madrid, for instance, made an offer that could reach €15m via fixed amounts, add-ons and a youth player on loan, but it still wasn’t enough.

A direct test ahead

With Lamine Yamal set to be a key threat for Barça, the match will offer a direct read on that scouting target. Mundo Deportivo notes that Salinas started Racing’s first five league games and played 450 minutes. For Barça, it’s a demanding assignment on the left as Flick ultimately covered the role with options such as Cancelo, Balde and alternatives like Gerard Martín and Xavi Espart.

Off the pitch, the summer story for Salinas ends with a “nearly” rather than a breakthrough deal, with the player staying at Santander, according to Mundo Deportivo.