Barcelona’s 18-year-old La Masia gem staring at an uncertain future at the club

Barcelona’s 18-year-old talent from La Masia, Dani Rodriguez has been in the news of late mostly because of the injury worries the club has been facing.

Earlier this month, Barcelona were encountering a significant injury crisis that spanned across the entire team. Amidst these challenges, the team from Catalonia counted on their youth academy and subsidiary to provide alternative options.

While the stories of Marc Guiu, Hector Fort, and Pau Cubarsi are well documented, a certain Dani Rodriguez emerged as another diamond in the rough.

An attacking midfielder by trade, Rodriguez possesses a unique combination of calm composure and impactful play, making him one of the most promising prospects in the Barcelona subsidiary.

Xavi has already demonstrated his faith in Rodriguez by including him in first-team training sessions regularly, although the 18-year-old talent is yet to get his debut.

An exit could be on the cards

While the talent in Rodriguez is aplenty, there happens to be no space for him to break into the first team and if a report from journalist Fernando Polo of Mundo Deportivo is to be believed, he could be on his way out in the summer. 

Pini Zahavi serves as Dani Rodriguez’s agent. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

The reporter mentions that Pini Zahavi, who also manages Robert Lewandowski, serves as the agent for Rodriguez, who currently belongs to the youth team.

Hailing from La Masia, he is considered one of the club’s prized talents, with an uncertain future looming ahead. 

Rodriguez’s contract is set to expire in June, and although the club has the option to extend it for an additional two years, uncertainties arise due to the sheer number of players already present in the squad, especially in his position. 

This dilemma poses hesitance from both the player and his management regarding the optimal decision for his position within the team. 

As discussions develop, the young winger’s potential and the club’s considerations create a fascinating scenario, leaving Rodriguez’s fate hanging in the balance. While the team does have an extension option, it remains to be seen if Rodriguez opts for this or not.