Barcelona is deepening negotiations to sign 19-year-old defender Jorge Salinas from Racing Santander, but the process has grown more complex as Atletico Madrid emerges as a serious contender.
Salinas has enjoyed a breakthrough season, playing a key role in Racing's promotion and catching the attention of several top Spanish clubs.
While Barcelona has made preliminary contacts with both Mendes and the club, no agreement has been reached yet. Discussions are currently exploratory rather than finalized.
Racing Santander remains firm on the player’s valuation, directing interested clubs toward a buyout clause that exceeds the previously cited €16 million, a figure Barcelona is unwilling to meet at this point.
As negotiations linger, the chance of a bidding battle increases. Without accelerating their move, Barcelona risks losing one of Spain’s brightest defensive prospects to Atletico Madrid.
The situation remains open and will likely develop in the crucial weeks of the summer transfer window.
