Barcelona eyeing Oviedo's goal machine Joaquín Delgado
FC Barcelona have set their sights on Real Oviedo B's prolific striker Joaquín Delgado as a potential reinforcement for their reserve team's promotion push.
Barcelona are looking to poach one of Spanish lower league football’s most clinical finishers, with Real Oviedo’s reserve team striker Joaquín Delgado firmly on their radar.
Vetusta’s scoring sensation
The Andalusian forward has been absolutely mustard for Oviedo’s B team, Vetusta, who currently compete in Spain’s fourth tier (2ª RFEF). His goal-scoring exploits have made him quite the hot property in the winter transfer window:
- 23 goals last season, finishing as Vetusta’s top scorer
- Already netted 14 times in just 17 matches this campaign
- Recently showcased his talent with a brace and an assist against Sarriana
What’s particularly striking is that Delgado has personally outscored Oviedo’s entire first team, who managed just nine goals in the first half of their season. Talk about carrying the team on your shoulders!
Barcelona’s B team ambitions
Barça have identified the Utrera-born striker as an ideal addition to strengthen their reserve side’s push for promotion to 1ª RFEF (third tier). The Catalans might propose a loan deal with performance-related incentives, which could be appealing to all parties.
Oviedo’s dilemma
Oviedo manager Guillermo Almada has been including Delgado in first-team training sessions recently, clearly aware of the diamond they have. However, he faces a registration headache as the forward doesn’t qualify for the under-23 category.
“Joaquín is a player with very good conditions and numbers,” Almada acknowledged, though he noted the complications of using a senior squad spot on a young player.
The Asturian club now faces some proper decision-making:
- Promote Delgado to the first team (especially with Álex Forés reportedly heading to Leganés)
- Negotiate a contract renewal before any loan deal to secure a future transfer fee
- Cash in now as the player has clearly outgrown Vetusta
With financial limitations hampering Oviedo’s market activity, Almada’s preference will likely be the deciding factor. If he wants the striker in his squad, the club will register him immediately and reject all offers – including Barcelona’s interest.