Gap between the clubs remains wide
Discussions between the two clubs are ongoing and could intensify once Salinas returns for pre-season after winning the U19 European Championship with Spain. However, both sides remain far apart in valuations, making a deal unlikely in the near term. Atlético Madrid continues to monitor the situation, though Salinas is said to favor a move to Barcelona if a transfer can be completed.
Release clause dispute
Barcelona had been working with the player’s agent to finalise the transfer. There had been disagreement over Salinas’ release clause: Barcelona believed it stayed at €8 million until June 30, when Racing were officially a Segunda Division side. Racing maintains that the clause automatically doubles to €16 million upon promotion to La Liga. Rather than pursuing a legal interpretation, all parties have waited, hoping Racing would negotiate, but no deal has materialised so far.
Flick has approved the signing
Barcelona view Salinas as an ideal long-term addition because of his versatility and left-footed profile. He can play both at left-back and as a left-sided centre-back. The club’s plan had been to integrate him into the first-team squad, rather than loan him out. There is understood to be approval from the coaching staff for the signing, but the deal has been placed on hold as talks continue.
All options being explored
The player’s representative is expected to keep working on a solution that could satisfy both clubs. One possible route could involve Barcelona including academy players in the deal to reduce the overall transfer fee, a tactic Racing could consider as it strengthens its squad for La Liga. Barcelona remain determined that, if Salinas is signed, he would stay with the first team rather than be loaned out immediately. If negotiations ultimately fail, Barcelona aims to maintain a strong relationship with the player and keep the door open for a future move.
The Blaugrana already have Salinas’ approval in principle, and it remains to be seen whether the defender will push for a transfer once he returns from his summer break.
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