Barcelona in talks with 18-year-old La Masia star over possible contract extension - Reports
Barcelona are reportedly in talks with La Masia product Pau Prim over a contract renewal. This is according to Spanish outlet SPORT, who believe that the youngster is set for a promotion to the first team in the coming season (via Barca Universal).
The 18-year-old is considered to be an extremely talented defensive midfielder, and he has only a year left on his current deal. Should he end up getting a more prominent role with the Blaugrana, Prim could choose to remain at Camp Nou.
Moreover, this report claims that the player himself is eager to continue with the club beyond his current contact. After the likes of Pau Cubarsi, Hector Fort and Marc Casado have already been provided extensions, Prim is set to be the next in line.
At the moment, Barcelona do not have a traditional number six, which could be the perfect opportunity that Prim is seeking. Even if the Catalans end up buying a defensive midfielder, he could still see a fair bit of game time in the coming campaign.
Last season, the Spain under-18 international made 20 appearances across the competition for the club's youth sides and bagged an assist in the process. With the Blaugrana finishing second in La Liga last year, they have secured themselves Champions League football for the 2024/25 season.
This means that Prim also has a chance of playing in the highest club competition in Europe, albeit a slight one.
Manchester United and Liverpool to complicate matters for Barcelona in signing defensive midfield target - Reports
Barcelona have been linked with a move for Bayern Munich defensive midfielder Joshua Kimmich this summer. With only a year left on the Germany international's deal at the Allianz Arena, he is expected to be available for around €30 million.
However, matters seem to have gotten more complicated, with Manchester United and Liverpool entering the race for the 29-year-old's signature. According to CaughtOffSide, this could become problematic for the Catalans (via Football Espana).
Although Barcelona can match the asking price, they will not be in a position to stand up to the wage offers coming in from the Premier League.
Kimmich is a versatile player, who can also play at right-back as he has shown for Bayern Munich and Germany. Last season, he made 43 appearances across competitions for the Bavarian outfit, bagging two goals and 10 assists.