Barcelona keeping close tabs on former La Masia winger as Ajax register interest

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Barcelona keeping close tabs on former La Masia winger as Ajax register interest


The appointment of Michel as head coach has seen Ajax focus more towards Barcelona or Catalonia-based players this summer.


The club earlier signed Marc-Andre ter Stegen on loan, have an agreement to sign Jofre Torrents and are now eyeing one more former Barcelona player in the form of Jan Virgili.


Virgili currently plies his trade for Mallorca and was even linked with a potential return to Barcelona earlier in the summer.

Ajax want to sign Virgili​

Now, according to SPORT, Ajax have identified Virgili as one of the alternatives to strengthen their left wing, particularly if they end up selling Mika Godts to PSG in a deal that could reach €60 million.

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Virgili’s stock is on the rise. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)


Ajax sporting director Jordi Cruyff knows the winger’s profile and views him as an intriguing option to bolster the flank.


Virgili’s stock is also on the rise. The La Masia product was one of the breakout stars of last season with Mallorca, and on Wednesday he starred in a 3-0 pre-season win over PSG, assisting one goal and scoring another.


That said, he would not be Ajax’s only target, with Noa Lang their priority and Roony Bardghji, another Barcelona player, also under consideration.

Why it matters to Barcelona​

Virgili’s situation is particularly significant for Barcelona given the stake they retain in him.


The Catalans kept 40% of his economic rights when they sold him to Mallorca last summer for €3.5 million, and crucially, they also hold a preferential option to re-sign him.

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Virgili’s move to Ajax could be beneficial for Barcelona. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)


Following Mallorca’s relegation, his release clause dropped from €30 million to €12 million, meaning Barcelona could theoretically bring him back for around €7.2 million thanks to the percentage they still own.


The arrivals of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi have dampened the likelihood of a return this window, but Barcelona remain firmly attentive.


Should another club trigger his release clause, the Catalans would still pocket around €4.8 million from their retained rights.


Either way, Barcelona stand to benefit, whether through a future re-signing at a reduced fee or a welcome financial boost.

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