Barcelona sign 14-year-old defensive prospect with an eye on the future

While much of the attention is on Barcelona’s first-team recruitment strategy, the Catalans are also actively scouting for promising young talents who can strengthen their youth teams.

The hope is that these rising stars will one day earn a spot on the first team. For example, Ronald Araujo who joined from Boston River, honed his skills on the reserve team before becoming a mainstay in the starting XI.

Although La Masia has been producing excellent homegrown players lately, Barça has also monitored the Spanish market well.

The club’s scouts continue to scour untapped markets to find young players with exceptional potential who could fit into the club’s youth development program.

Barcelona have signed 14-year-old gem

Now, SPORT reports that Real Valladolid youngster Alvaro Gomez will join Barcelona’s youth team starting next season.

Alvaro Gomez, who will turn 15 in May, is renowned as a dynamic defender who has a reputation for having a flair for scoring goals, with seven to his name this season. In addition, his defensive abilities have earned him great acclaim.

The 14-year-old periodically trains with Valladolid’s Juvenil A team, where he has demonstrated his talent. And in the 2024/2025 campaign, he might enter Barcelona’s Cadete A side.

Although Gomez originally plied his trade as a centre-back, his performances at right-back have been highly encouraging.

Alvaro Gomez could be Barcelona’s future right-back

Gomez will have to start at a lower level due to his age before he can establish himself for Barça Atletic or perhaps the Under-19 squad.

Depending on how well he does, Gomez could be able to move on to higher divisions and eventually land a spot on the main team.

The teenage prospect is considered a long-term investment since Barcelona want to upgrade their options on the right flank.