Barcelona transfer news: Wonderkid Carles Alena puts pen to paper on new three-year contract at the Nou Camp… with £66m buyout clause
Alena is seen by many at the club as the natural successor to Andres Iniesta, with both being a product of Barca's famed La Masia academy
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BARCELONA wonderkid Carles Alena has put pen to paper on a new-three year deal with the Catalan club.
Alena, who is seen by many at the club as the natural successor to Andres Inesta, was the subject of interest from Tottenham earlier this year.
It led to Barca moving quickly to agree a new deal with the 19-year-old, and today he dotted the Is and crossed the Ts on the new contract.
On the deal, Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu tweeted: "The deal between @CarlesAle10 and FC Barcelona has been signed.
"Dedication and talent from the youth ranks. Congratulations!"
Alena is believed to be the biggest prospect to emerge from the academy side for a decade.
He joined the club aged seven and impressed at every level before appearing for the first team in November last year.
And it was an impressive debut - he netted in a 1-1 away draw with Hercules in the Copa Del Rey last 32.
He went on to appear on the bench numerous times towards the end of last season.
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.
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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.
And Alena will have the chance to study the master Iniesta for a little while longer as it is believed he will sign a new deal with the Spanish outfit.
Nou Camp president Josep Maria Bartomeu says the iconic midfielder has reached an agreement in principle.