Barcelona beat Real Madrid, Man City to sign 18-year-old playmaker – report

Barcelona and Real Madrid find themselves butting heads in pursuit of almost every young and prodigious talent in Spain and outside.

Over the past few transfer windows, the Clasico rivals have warred over the signings of Pablo Torre, Endrick, and Arda Guler, among others.

Another young talent who piqued the interest of both the Spanish super clubs as well as Manchester City is Rayo Vallecano playmaker Marcos Parriego.

Parriego chooses Barcelona

And, as per a report from journalist Rodra P, Parriego has chosen Barcelona despite having offers from both Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Parriego still in his second year of youth football, has shone for Rayo this season. The 18-year-old from Soto del Real came through Real Madrid’s youth academy, playing there through the Alevín stage.

However, the white club decided to discard him, and he continued his training in Vallecas.

Now, despite having offers from both Manchester City and Real Madrid, the teenage playmaker has opted to sign for Barcelona, primarily for two reasons.

As per the report, the economic offer of the Catalans is much higher than those of Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Secondly, the sporting project presented by Barça happens to be more convincing. The cases of Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, and Gavi reinforce the club’s idea of betting on the academy and Parriego believes it would be easier for him to reach the first team of Barça than at Real Madrid.

Where does Parriego play?

As per the report, Parriego stands out for being a quality playmaker. Left-footed, the 18-year-old is one of those who can play freely all over the front line, and with the talent to make a difference from set pieces as well.

According to those who know him closely, this year the 18-year-old has made a leap forward in two differential facets: physique and character.

Thus, Barça have decided to go for Parriego with an offer that has beaten the attempts of Real Madrid and Manchester City. Los Blancos tried until the last moment, but have now given up on a player they had in their ranks and who will now wear the colours of their eternal rivals.