Barcelona greenlight sale of 18-year-old prodigy to Palmeiras

According to a recent report from SPORT, Barcelona have decided to sell their promising 18-year-old youth team player, Wesley Dual, to Brazilian club Palmeiras. 

The outlet mentions that after several weeks of negotiations, Palmeiras have managed to convince Barcelona to part with the midfielder. The deal includes Barcelona retaining a 20% stake in any future sale of the player. 

It is said that Palmeiras see great potential in Dual and plan to sign him to a two-year professional contract. Initially, he would join Palmeiras’ under-20 team.

While the paperwork and documentation are being completed for his transfer to Brazil, Dual will continue training with the Barcelona youth team. Once everything is in order, he will travel to Sao Paulo to join Palmeiras.

Who is Wesley Dual?

Born in Lleida to a Spanish father and a Brazilian mother, Dual has been a regular in the rotations of Juvenil B, Barcelona’s youth team, last season. 

His talent also earned him a call-up to the Spanish under-17 team. This caught the attention of Palmeiras, one of the top clubs in Brazil, his mother’s home country.

However, despite being called up by Xavi for some training sessions last season, he has found it challenging to secure a spot in the first team. 

Hence, this move to Brazil highlights the constant churn of talent at La Masia, where not every promising player can find a place in the first team. 

Difficult move, but a necessary one

Barcelona’s decision to sell Dual reflects the club’s strategy of managing their vast array of young talents. By allowing him to move to Palmeiras while retaining a stake in his future, Barcelona ensure that they benefit from his potential success without blocking his career progression. 

This deal is a win-win situation for both clubs and the player.

La Masia, Barcelona’s renowned youth academy, has always been a breeding ground of young talents. Among the standout names are Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Hector Fort, Gavi and Alejandro Balde among others. 

These players have already integrated into the dynamics of the first team. However, beyond these names, clubs around the world keep a close watch on Barcelona’s youth academy, hoping to snag talents who might not make it to the first team.