An FC Barcelona star has an “advanced agreement” to join Premier League giant Chelsea, which is prepared to trigger his bargain release clause according to transfer market expert Gerard Romero’s Jijantes outlet citing anonymous sources.
Graduating from Barca’s famed La Masia academy, Marc Guiu was memorably given his first team debut against Athletic Club by now former head coach Xavi Hernandez.
Guiu entered the fray when replacing Fermin Lopez in the 79th minute at the Montjuic Stadium.
Just 33 seconds after coming on as a substitute, he slotted home the winner and sent Culers into raptures as Barca collected a much-needed three points at the time.
Following on from that October strike, however, the 18-year-old failed to earn regular playing time under Xavi, which was also the case for fellow forward Vitor Roque.
The Brazilian joined Barca at the turn of 2024 in a deal which could reach north of $60 million in value, but both teenagers found their path to the first XI blocked by veteran Robert Lewandowski saved for a rare start here and there.
Heading towards 2024/2025, it is possible that Vitor Roque is loaned out amid links to the likes of Porto and Napoli.
In Guiu’s case, however, his move out of Catalonia could be permanent according to Jijantes.
Romero’s outlet reported that Guiu was living his “last minutes with Barca” as its Atletic reserve team lost a promotion play off 3-2 on aggregate to Cordoba on Sunday evening.
Jijantes added that Guiu has “advanced agreements” in place with the London club, who can acquire him by meeting a paltry $6.4 million (€6 million) release clause.
If Guiu indeed agrees to join Chelsea, or has done so already, Barca will be powerless to stop him from heading north to England once the Todd Boehly co-owned club has triggered the clause.
This development would also likely result in Vitor Roque sticking around and being Lewandowski’s understudy next term, as a lack of back up for the Pole makes it unwise to offload both youngsters at a time when Barca is financially unable to compete in the transfer market and make high level reinforcements.