With Memphis Depay set to join Atletico Madrid on a permanent deal, Barcelona will soon be forced to make the necessary provision to replace the Dutchman in the first-team.
The club have explored the option of signing a new player in this ongoing January transfer window
But it appears Xavi is also open to offering some of the academy youngsters the opportunity to make the breakthrough in the first-team, notably handing Angel Alarcon a professional debut against AD Ceuta.
The 18-year-old attacker played for ten minutes in Barcelona’s Copa Del Rey Round of 16 encounter. Although he did not have much time to make an impact, it was a glorious moment for the youngster, who is considered a potential plan B for Barça if they fail to sign a Depay replacement in the market.
To that end, the Catalans are already taking the necessary steps to safeguard Alarcon’s future at the club by giving him a contract extension, as per Mundo Deportivo.
The report suggests Barça want to tie Alarcon down to a long-term contract. The player’s current contract at the club expires at the end of the season, but there might be a possibility that the club have the option to renew his deal for two more seasons.
Barça are more than likely to utilise the option, if available. But in any case, the club are convinced of Alarcon’s potential, and are negotiating his renewal.
The youngster has notably impressed the onlookers by racking up three goals and three goals in the UEFA Youth League this term.
A contract renewal could serve as the first step in Alarcon’s bid to make a breakthrough in the first team. A lot of academy stars at Barça have already made solid impressions in recent years and there is no reason why someone like Alarcon cannot follow suit.