Barcelona renew interest in Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas with €10m release clause

Barcelona have renewed their interest in Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas, a 19-year-old who carries a €10m release clause and a contract running until 2029, according to local Cantabrian outlets Arco FM and Diario Montanes.

The Blaugrana were first linked with Salinas earlier this year following a Copa del Rey tie between the two clubs, which Barcelona won 2-1. Although Salinas did not feature in that match, reports at the time suggested the club’s scouts were impressed. The renewed interest, cited by Marca Deportiva and corroborated by regional sources, indicates Barcelona have maintained their focus on the teenager as they assess their defensive options ahead of the summer window.

Salinas is a versatile operator capable of playing at left-back and in central defence. He spent the majority of this season at left-back for Racing, making 33 appearances and contributing seven assists as the Cantabrian side secured promotion back to La Liga. His performances at international level have also drawn attention — he has earned five caps for Spain’s under-19 side, scoring twice, and is set to be part of their squad for the under-19 European Championship this summer.

One factor that could smooth any potential deal is the involvement of super-agent Jorge Mendes, who represents Salinas and has a well-documented working relationship with Barcelona. That connection may give the Catalan club an advantage should a formal approach materialise.

Barcelona’s defensive planning has been complicated this summer after a proposed move for Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni collapsed amid uncertainty on Hansi Flick’s side. With several backline positions still unsettled for next season, the club has been linked with multiple defenders across different profiles. Salinas, given his age, release clause value, and positional flexibility, represents a lower-risk option compared to some of the more established names in circulation.

Racing Santander, freshly promoted to La Liga, are unlikely to stand in the way of a move if the release clause is triggered, though the club may also face competing interest from other sides should Barcelona not formalise their pursuit.