Tottenham target Carles Alena signs three-year contract extension at Barcelona — with £66million buy-out clause
Spain Under-19 international is considered brightest prospect to emerge from La Masia in a decade and penned new deal
BARCELONA have tied down highly-rated Carles Alena until 2020 — and inserted a whopping £66million buy-out clause.
The 19-year-old central midfielder, who is wanted by Tottenham, is thought to be the biggest prospect to emerge from the Catalan side’s academy for a decade.
Mauricio Pochettino had hoped to make him part of his Spurs squad for the next campaign, which will once again involve Champions League football.
However, last season’s Premier League runners-up will have to fork out an incredible £66m if they want to land Spain Under-19 international.
The La Liga giants were delighted to secure the long-term future of one of their brightest prospects.
A club statement read: “F.C. Barcelona and the player, Carles Alena, have reached an agreement for the extension of his contract for the next three seasons.
“Should he establish himself as a member of the first team, there is the option for a further two years and the buy-out clause will be £66.1million.”
Since a side comprised of La Masia graduates, Victor Valdes, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Pedro and Lionel Messi won two Champions League trophies in three seasons from 2009 to 2011, there have been few top players to emerge from the club’s academy.
Thiago Alcantara has shown he has serious talent — but he was sold to Bayern Munich in 2013.
While there are high hopes for Sergi Roberto, who has been tipped to be a future captain.
Alena is the best of the current crop and four first team appearances last season — netting in a Copa del Rey tie at Hercules.