An Important Piece of Women's Barça Will Say Goodbye at the End of the Season. Ingrid Engen, Norwegian center-back, will not renew her contract with the blaugrana club and is set to leave the Culer entity next June 30, according to LaTdG. Her decision is made, and Barça has also begun to plan her departure.
Ingrid Engen Has Decided: She Leaves Barça
Engen was very close to leaving in the past winter transfer window. Olympique Lyon inquired about her situation in January, and everything was on track for her departure to be finalized, although it ultimately didn't close due to economic reasons. Now, without a spot in the starting eleven, she has decided that the best thing for her career is to put an end to her time as a Culer.
The Norwegian footballer has been surpassed in the rotation. Irene Paredes, who will be renewed until 2027, according to the same source, is one of the leaders of the defense and the entire locker room. Next to her, the other undisputed starter in the central axis is Mapi León, Ingrid Engen's current romantic partner. The personal situation hasn't influenced the sporting aspect, and the Norwegian has considered that the best thing for her sports career is to leave.
Barça has already been informed of her decision, and both parties are working with complete cordiality. Engen's priority is to find a new destination where she can have more prominence, and it seems that offers won't be lacking. She has experience, international hierarchy, and still many years of soccer ahead. In January, as already mentioned, Lyon showed interest in her, and now they are once again positioned as the favorites to secure her services.
Barça Plans Next Season Without Ingrid Engen
For now, there is no official statement, but everything is agreed upon. The farewell will be at the end of the course, with total professionalism and mutual gratitude, according to Madrid-Barcelona. Mapi León is aware of the news: she is sad but understands that she must prioritize her sports career, and at Barça, it's very difficult for her to be important.
To replace Ingrid Engen, Barça is clear: youth academy, youth academy, and more youth academy. There's Jana Fernández, also Martina, and next June 30, another youth player finishes her contract in Manchester: Laia Aleixandri, with whom negotiations are already underway.