Barcelona always keep an eye out for up-and-coming young talents from across the globe in a bid to strengthen their youth ranks with an eye on the future.
It has led to the signings of talents like Mika Faye and Noah Darvich, while several other young prospects are on the agenda of the club heading into the summer.
Barcelona trying to sign Allen Obando
As such, Mundo Deportivo reports that FC Barcelona are trying to sign 17-year-old striker Allen Obando from Ecuadorian outfit Barcelona SC.
Allen Obando made the leap to the first team of the Ecuadorian side and has shown signs of his quality with a goal and two assists in the nine games he has played.
The 17-year-old’s performances earned him a call-up to the Ecuadorian senior national team during the March international break.
Obando has a contract until 2026 and a market price of €1 million, but everything suggests that the amount of the future transfer of the striker will be much higher if Barcelona do continue in their pursuit.
Barcelona’s interest confirmed
The interest of Barcelona has been confirmed by Antonio Alvarez, who is a candidate for the presidency of the South American outfit.
Indeed, Alvarez revealed that the Blaugrana have been trailing Obando for months now and even held a meeting with him recently to discuss the signing.
“This team has been behind me and Allen for many months. They asked me to go on the 12th of this month, but I couldn’t go because I didn’t want to leave the team alone because it’s a family,” he said.
‘On Friday, Barcelona’s sporting vice-president, José Luis Nogales, went with Carlos Obando, Allen’s father, and they were at the Barça-Rayo Vallecano game.”
Revealing the details of the meeting, he added: “I went to Barça and spoke to the directors of Barcelona, we spent about three hours looking at their facilities. I spoke with Rafa Yuste, Barcelona’s number one vice-president.
“I did not speak to Laporta because he had a health problem. We talked and met with Deco, the club’s sporting director.”
