Racing Santander have made clear that Barcelona will have to pay Jorge Salinas’ €16m release clause if they want to sign the highly rated defender this summer.
Barcelona are monitoring the 19-year-old Spain youth international as interest grows from several major European clubs. Despite the competition, the Catalan club believe they remain in a strong position because Salinas reportedly favours a move to Camp Nou.
However, Racing Santander’s financial demands could complicate Barcelona’s efforts. The La Liga club are currently offering about €6m, well below the €16m required to activate the player’s release clause.
Salinas has emerged as one of Spanish football’s most promising young players after impressing for Racing Santander and helping the club secure promotion to La Liga. His performances have attracted attention from Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico de Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Porto, Bologna and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Racing Santander sporting director Chima Aragon has reiterated that the club will not consider selling Salinas for less than the full value of his clause.
Speaking in comments reported by Mundo Deportivo, Aragon said Racing Santander were determined to protect their sporting assets and retain their leading players.
“We hope they stay,” he said, also referring to Puerta. Aragon added that the situation could change if one of the interested clubs submitted an offer matching the release clause.
“We have no choice if a big star appears,” he said.
Racing Santander would also be prepared to improve Salinas’ contract if he remains with the squad after the transfer window closes. Aragon said any new agreement would reflect the defender’s growing importance to the team.
The sporting director praised Salinas’ attitude and professionalism, saying he was “behaving perfectly” and had shown no desire to force a transfer.
He also highlighted the defender’s approach during pre-season, noting that Salinas had returned in good physical condition.
“If he stays, his development will have to be reflected in his contract,” Aragon added.
Barcelona’s interest is based not only on Salinas’ potential but also on the qualities he could bring to the club’s future defence. Naturally left-footed, he offers an attribute that is considered valuable and relatively uncommon in the transfer market.
Salinas can operate either as a left-sided centre-back or at left-back, with Racing Santander believing he can perform effectively in both positions. That versatility is understood to be one of the reasons why Barcelona are following his progress closely.
Reports also suggest that Barcelona’s scouts have been impressed by his ability to begin attacks from deep, his confidence when in possession and his calmness under pressure. His physical presence and competitive approach have further strengthened his appeal.
Those characteristics fit the profile Barcelona use when assessing young defenders, but the club must first decide whether to meet Racing Santander’s demands or negotiate a lower transfer fee.
For now, Racing Santander remain firm: Salinas will only leave if a club pays the €16m release clause.
