Quim Junyent, a La Masia graduate and captain of Spain’s Under-19 team, is set to leave Barcelona as his contract expires at the end of June 2026. He faced a difficult season, including a failed transfer to Almeria in January, remaining with the Juvenil A squad.
Choosing not to renew, Junyent will complete his move to Almeria, a lower-league club, in summer 2026. Despite this, he expressed gratitude to La Masia: “La Masia has helped me become who I am today. It has helped me work very hard. In the end, the work is not seen, but there is a lot of sacrifice, a lot of effort.”
Reflecting on his season, he said: “I took it all in stride. The Barça youth team was supportive; I got along well with everyone and always tried to give my all on the pitch.” Junyent highlighted the support from family and friends: “They supported me, told me to keep going, to enjoy it, that everything happens for a reason.”
When asked about players he watches, Junyent named Pedri as a clear reference: “I watch Pedri a lot — how he moves, looks for spaces, and carries the ball.” He also mentioned Fermin and Merino.
He acknowledged the rapid breakthroughs by youngsters like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi but stressed that every player has their own path. Junyent maintains a close friendship with Cubarsi from their time together at La Masia.
It remains to be seen how Junyent’s career progresses at Almeria and how he leads Spain in the upcoming European Under-19 Championship.
