Despite fears of breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules before the end of the month, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Barcelona for their teenage sensation Marc Guiu as revealed by The Athletic’s David Ornstein. He is set to become their second summer signing after Tosin Adarabioyo who has joined as a free agent upon the expiration of his Fulham contract.
While Chelsea, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Everton are moving multiple young players between the clubs potentially exploiting a PSR loophole, the signing of Guiu should be considered one for the future. The Blues have triggered the €6m release clause in the Spain youth international’s contract and a medical is now scheduled in London ahead of an official announcement in due time.
Blow For Barcelona?
The 18-year-old striking ace has been roped in on a six-year contract until June 2030. It’s a massive blow for the Catalans as they would lose one of their prized assets from La Masia for a meagre fee. They have to sell players to deal with the economic crisis at Camp Nou and Chelsea, known for their spending spree in the Todd Boehly regime, grabbed the opportunity to bolster the frontline.
Having progressed through the academy ranks, Guiu made his unofficial senior debut against Vissel Kobe a year ago in a pre-season fixture. He became the youngest and fastest debutant to score for Barcelona in La Liga when his goal as a late substitute secured a 1-0 win against Athletic Bilbao. With 2 goals in 7 appearances last season, the youngster laid the foundation of succeeding Robert Lewandowski in the forthcoming future.
Shrewd Signing For Chelsea
However, it’s a massive coup for Chelsea who are over-reliant on Nicolas Jackson high up the pitch. The Senegalese finished the 2023-24 campaign with 17 goals, but his wastefulness led to strong criticism from the fans and pundits. The hopes are high from Christopher Nkunku who was hardly involved last season for persistent injury problems.
Meanwhile, the new Stamford Bridge boss Enzo Maresca might have to part ways with Romelu Lukaku and Armando Broja given their little involvement in recent past due to successive loan spells. David Datro Fofana had his moments on loan at Burnley, but it remains to be seen whether he is retained or sent out again for regular minutes.
Guiu offers aerial threat, pace and strength with high work rate and poaching traits. He could make an impact from the bench before cementing a starting status en route to restoring Chelsea’s lost status in Europe.
