There's no respite at La Masia. When it's not a debut in the first team, it's an unexpected departure. Not all of them hurt the same.
Some leave a mark, especially if they're players expected to have a future. Or if the one taking them knows exactly what they're getting.
This is one of those cases. Because a footballer with talent, potential, and physicality is leaving. Because the one taking him has done so quietly, but with a smile that says it all.
Gerard Piqué has taken Jan Virgili, the greatest talent at La Masia since the emergence of Lamine Yamal, to Andorra. Flick hasn't taken him on the tour, but he's also not ready to play with the reserves.
Piqué has been clever and has taken him to Andorra, where he'll be able to play many minutes in the Second Division. Laporta, moreover, has thanked him for it.
Barça had him highly rated
Jan Virgili was one of the greatest hopes of Barça's youth academy. A starter in Juvenil A, he had already debuted with the reserves and had very positive reports within the club.
Technically very gifted, aggressive in defense, and with offensive range, he was the profile that best fit future plans for Barça Atlètic.
Several clubs were following his development. Valencia pushed hard to sign him. Celta and Real Oviedo were also interested, but without success.
The one finally taking him is FC Andorra, owned by Gerard Piqué.
A signing with its own name
The Andorran club will receive Virgili on loan for one year with no purchase option. Flick does see Virgili as a future first-team player for Barça, but he needs to mature. Moreover, after the arrival of Marcus Rashford, he saw his progression at the club as even more complicated.
In that context, the agreement with Andorra makes sense. The project is solid, with guaranteed minutes and a leading role from day one.
The feeling that's left is clear: Piqué has managed to move faster than anyone. He's done it at home.
Like someone who knows every corner. Because he does.