Barcelona left shocked as Man Utd reach deal for prized academy asset

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Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign promising Barcelona youngster Marc Jurado this summer, according to a report.

The 16-year-old, who plays at right-back, has been in the Barcelona ranks for nine years and has become one of the club’s most prized assets in another generation of top talent.

The likes of Ansu Fati, Ilaix Moriba, Gavi and Ilias have all come through the system in recent years and according to Spanish publication Sport, Barca were hoping that Jurado would follow suit with a new deal.

However, the source says that Jurado has rejected an improved financial offer and a promotion in the youth ranks from his boyhood club, instead opting to “try the English adventure”- with United snapping up his services.

The Red Devils have reportedly paid €1.5million (£1.3million) to seal the deal, which will go through when the transfer window re-opens.

The decision is said to have “not gone well” with officials inside the Camp Nou, who expected Jurado to follow his fellow youngsters in staying at Barcelona.

As for where the youngster could fit in at United, Sport adds that while he will initially feature in the youth ranks, he could be promoted to the Under-18s squad if he is deemed good enough.

United’s youth system has seen homegrown talent such as Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard make it in the first team, although foreign players have also come through successfully.

Netherlands-born duo Tahith Chong and Timothy Fosu-Mensah have both featured – the latter making 21 senior appearances – and both enjoyed contract extensions earlier this year.

In other news, United are expected to bid for Swansea City defender Joe Rodon when the transfer window re-opens, according to a report.

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