Brian Farinas (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Barcelona have promoted 20-year-old midfielder Brian Fariñas to Hansi Flick's senior squad after the youngster impressed at youth level and during pre-season.
Spremljajte Nogomanio kot prednostni vir na Googlu
Dodajte Nogomanio med priljubjene vire v Google News in
prejemajte najpomembnejše nogometne novice med prvimi.
Barcelona's famous academy may have produced another player ready for senior football. The Catalan club has confirmed that 20-year-old midfielder Brian Fariñas has been promoted to Hansi Flick's first-team squad for the new season.
The decision has surprised many Barcelona supporters, particularly because Fariñas has also been handed the prestigious No.4 shirt. The versatile midfielder can operate in several positions and had already received opportunities from Flick during pre-season.
Fariñas was one of the standout performers for Barcelona's youth team last season, and his development clearly impressed the German coach enough to earn him a permanent place with the senior squad.
From Villarreal to Barcelona's first team
Born in the Valencia region, Fariñas joined Barcelona's academy from Villarreal in 2018 and has steadily progressed through the club's youth system. His current contract runs until the summer of 2028.
The biggest question now is how much playing time Flick will give him. Barcelona possess considerable quality and depth in midfield, meaning the youngster will face intense competition for minutes.
However, Flick has already demonstrated that reputation and age will not prevent young players from receiving opportunities. Xavi Espart, 19, has featured in Barcelona's opening three La Liga matches this season and has already contributed two assists.
Fariñas could now be the next youngster to benefit from Flick's faith in Barcelona's academy. His promotion and the decision to give him the No.4 shirt suggest the club believes he could have a genuine role to play this season.