Eight former Barcelona players that the club can re-sign through buyback clauses

FC Barcelona have built a solid foundation this season, led by a series of homegrown talents establishing themselves as first-team regulars.

In fact, Barcelona are currently the youngest team in La Liga, thanks to their emphasis on nurturing young talent.

At the same time, Barça have offloaded multiple homegrown stars in the recent past. However, the club have been strategic in ensuring they don’t lose complete control over these players by incorporating buyback clauses in their contracts.

Mundo Deportivo lists eight former Barcelona players whom the club can potentially re-sign through the said buyback clauses in the future.

Oscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo) – €9 Million

Oscar Mingueza has been one of the top performers in these early parts of the season so far, impressing onlookers with his attacking prowess and creativity out wide.

That is perhaps why Barcelona have been linked with a move for the former defender, as a potential reinforcement in the right-back position.

Mingueza’s impressive performances earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team. He can, therefore, be an interesting option for the Catalans.

Barcelona allowed Mingueza to leave for free but retained a buyback option with Celta Vigo for €9 million. This clause can be activated any time before his contract ends in 2026. Additionally, Barcelona secured 50% of any future sale of the defender.

Estanis Pedrola (Sampdoria) – €7 Million

After moving to Sampdoria initially on loan last year, Pedrola signed for them permanently this past summer as the Italian club exercised a €3 million purchase option.

Barcelona reserved a 50% share of any future sale and maintained a buyback option for €7 million.

The young winger has been making strides in Italy and should he continue to develop, the club could exercise this clause to bring back the talented winger, who can add more depth going forward.

Nico Gonzalez (Porto) – €30 Million

Can Nico earn himself a return to Barcelona? (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Nico Gonzalez was once regarded as one of the most talented midfielders to come out of La Masia in recent years. But that was before his €8.5 million move to FC Porto last year.

Despite the move, though, Barcelona retained a significant degree of control, securing a buyback option for €30 million and 40% of any future sale.

If Nico’s development continues at the current pace, the club may consider reintegrating him into their squad.

Francisco Trincao (Sporting CP) – €20 Million

Another former talent plying his trade in Portugal, Francisco Trincao was transferred to Sporting CP for a total of €10 million, split between a loan fee and an obligatory purchase.

Barcelona retained 50% of the player’s rights and added a buyback option of €20 million. Trincao has performed well in Portugal so far, but the relatively high purchase clause does make him an unlikely option for Barcelona.

Ez Abde (Real Betis) – €20 Million

Following a successful loan spell at Osasuna, Abde Ezzazouli sought more playing time and moved to Real Betis for €7.5 million, with Barcelona retaining 50% of his rights.

The Blaugrana also happen to have a buyback option worth €20 million for the winger.

The Moroccan, though, has not quite been able to live up to his potential since leaving Barcelona and it is unlikely the club would consider re-signing the player anytime soon.

Mika Faye (Rennes) – €25 Million

One of Barcelona’s more recent exits, Mikayil Faye, a young Senegalese center-back, was transferred to Rennes this summer for €10.3 million after a strong season with Barcelona’s reserves.

Barcelona retained 30% of any future transfer fee and included a buyback clause of €25 million. The club may consider re-signing him if he demonstrates significant improvement in Ligue 1.

It must be noted that Faye is regarded highly and has the potential to become one of the best in the world. His performances for Rennes, therefore, could be a key monitorable.

Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy) – €10 Million

Riqui Puig moved to the MLS with Los Angeles Galaxy two seasons ago on a free transfer. He has become an important player in the league, and Barcelona retains 50% of any future sale.

While the exact buyback clause amount was not specified, reports in the United States suggest it could be around €10 million.

Carles Alena (Getafe) – €10 Million

Carles Alena, who left for Getafe in 2021 for €5 million, is another player Barcelona can re-sign.

The club holds a buyback option for double the amount until 2026, the expiration of his contract with Getafe.

Aleñá has been a key player for Getafe, but he needs to earn a bigger breakout in order to be re-considered by Barcelona.