Nobody expected it, but FC Barcelona has stepped up to strengthen its defensive line. It has done so with a defender arriving directly from Atlético de Madrid and with the aim of mainly reinforcing Barça Atlètic's squad.
The information has emerged in recent hours. "Cazurreando" has revealed that both Barça and Atlético are finalizing the deal. We're talking about Gerónimo Spina, a 20-year-old center-back who will arrive in the capital of Catalonia to strengthen the reserve team's squad.
Spina joined the Colchonero club from Estudiantes de la Plata, having obtained a free transfer. He's a center-back with a lot of potential, and Barça sees him as a bet for the future.
Gerónimo Spina, surprise signing
Spina had only two years left on his contract with Atlético de Madrid. It's likely that there will be a small financial compensation involved. What the Colchoneros have demanded at all times is that the deal includes a way to bring him back in the future, with the possibility of executing a buy-back option.
The reality is that Gerónimo Spina is a highly valued defender at Atlético. Simeone included him in the A list for last season's Champions League and even considered giving him an opportunity.
Nevertheless, now the Argentine center-back will head to Barça to continue his development at La Masia. The idea is for him to play an important role in Belletti's team, which will fight to return to Primera Federación this season.
New talent from Argentina
His signing strengthens Barça Atlètic, but the goal is clear: to develop him at La Masia so that in the near future he can make the leap to the first team.
Gerónimo Spina is 6 ft. 1.6 in. tall (1.87 meters), has a strong physical presence, good aerial ability, and notable ball distribution. In addition, he stands out for his tactical intelligence and ability to anticipate. He's a modern defender, with personality and leadership at the back. He brings solidity in defense and security with the ball at his feet, something highly valued in FC Barcelona's play style.
The center-back holds dual Argentine and Italian nationality, so he won't take up a non-EU spot. This is a key detail that facilitates his registration and growth at the Catalan club. In Barcelona, his potential and the fact that he came through Atlético's youth academy, where he left a good impression, are highly valued.
In Madrid, his departure has come as a surprise, since he was considered a player with a future. However, at Barça, they're certain that Spina fits perfectly into La Masia's model. The signing strengthens the blaugrana policy of betting on young talents with room for improvement.
Gerónimo Spina is a bet for both the present and the future. He's a center-back with potential who arrives at the blaugrana reserve team with the ambition to make a name for himself in European soccer, starting from the heart of La Masia.