La Masia keeps showing that it's one of the best youth academies in the world for football training. In recent years, very valuable names have emerged who have made the leap to the top level without passing through the reserve team. At Barça, they're certain that the foundation of its future must be homegrown, although not everyone fits into the plans.
Hansi Flick has inherited a golden generation, full of quality, youth, and potential. Cubarsí, Héctor Fort, Fermín, Casadó, and Lamine have shown they're ready to compete. For that reason, the German coach has had to distribute minutes with surgical precision.
La Masia keeps producing great talents
The problem is that there's no room for everyone, no matter how prepared they are. Many are left at the doorstep without being able to show their potential. That's exactly what has happened with one of the most exciting prospects of recent years.
Since Sergio Busquets left in 2023, Barça has unsuccessfully tried several options to fill its position. The absence of a true holding midfielder has been evident and has affected the team's play. Despite having the solution at home, it hasn't been chosen.
The new Sergio Busquets leaves: Hansi Flick is responsible
The profile that best fit that role was a youth player with a style very similar to the historic "5." Tall, intelligent, technical, and with great vision, many considered him the natural heir to Sergio Busquets. However, he hasn't had a single opportunity with Hansi Flick and has decided to take another path.
It's Pau Prim, a holding midfielder whom many youth football coaches consider a tactical gem. He has worked for more than twelve years in the blaugrana academy, always respecting the Barça model. After not receiving any signals from Hansi Flick, he has chosen to leave.
Farewell to Pau Prim after twelve years at La Masia
The young midfielder is heading to Qatar after refusing to renew his contract. He believes his development needs minutes at the elite level, even if it's far from Camp Nou. His farewell has been emotional and he has received numerous messages of support from his teammates.
With this departure, Barça loses an internal opportunity to solve its problems in the creative area. The possession model needs holding midfielders who master passing and tactical reading. Pau Prim had all that, but he hasn't been valued as he deserved.
Marc Bernal, the new great hope
Now, all eyes are on Marc Bernal, who has convinced Hansi Flick. He's seen as a real alternative and has been closely monitored by the coaching staff during his recovery. Unless there's a surprise, he'll be part of the first team next season.
Barça still trusts its youth academy as the engine of its present and future, but not everyone finds their place in time. Pau Prim's story is a reminder that talent needs trust. If it doesn't come, other projects move ahead and farewells are inevitable.