Almería eyeing up another La Masia gem as Barcelona youngster nears exit
Almería have set their sights on Barcelona's Quim Junyent, who's fallen down the pecking order at Camp Nou and looks set to leave when his contract expires in June.
Almería are back fishing in Barcelona’s talent pool as they target promising midfielder Quim Junyent, whose contract at Camp Nou expires this summer.
Second time’s a charm?
This ain’t the first time the Andalusian outfit have gone shopping at La Masia. Back in August, they nearly bagged winger Jan Virgili before he opted for Mallorca instead. Bit of a kick in the teeth, that one.
Now they’re back sniffing around another Barça prospect, with Sport reporting that Almería are keen to bring Junyent on board for next season. However, there’s a twist in the tale - the deal could be fast-tracked to the current January window, allowing Barcelona to pocket some bread and butter rather than losing him for free in the summer.
Stalled development
Junyent’s progress at Barcelona appears to have hit the buffers this season. Once tipped for big things, he’s actually dropped down from Barça Atlètic to the Juvenil A side. The club seems to have accepted he won’t be extending his stay.
The young midfielder did get a look in during pre-season under Hansi Flick, featuring in several friendlies including the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Monaco. But since then? Barely a sniff. He’s managed just 86 minutes across six appearances in Segunda Federación this campaign.
Despite his club struggles, the Balsareny-born talent has been a regular in Spain’s youth setups from U17 through to U19 level.
Deal gaining momentum
Talks about Junyent’s future are expected in the coming days, with all signs pointing to an exit from the Catalan capital. While Almería initially planned to make their move in the summer, a January switch is looking increasingly likely.
The Segunda División side have already shipped out two midfielders this winter - Robertone and Selvi Clua - though they still have decent options in Lopy, Baba, Dzodic, Horta and Gui Guedes competing for spots in the middle of the park.
For Junyent, the chance to get regular first-team football might be just what the doctor ordered after falling down the Barcelona pecking order.