Barcelona face tense deadline as futures of two La Masia stars remain unresolved

Barcelona face an important few days in their efforts to secure the futures of two of their most promising academy players, with Toni and Guille Fernandez approaching the final stages of the summer transfer window without their situations being resolved.

The two 18-year-olds have long been regarded as part of Barcelona’s next generation, and both spent the summer around Hansi Flick’s first-team preparations for the third consecutive pre-season. 

Yet with their current contracts running until 2027, neither player has put pen to paper on a new deal and that uncertainty has not gone unnoticed elsewhere.

According to Mundo Deportivo, interest in both Toni and Guille has grown during the summer, with clubs in Spain and across Europe exploring the possibility of convincing the two La Masia talents to move on.

The outlet mentions that Barcelona’s intention at the beginning of the window was to continue with Guille. 

The club and the player’s camp had even reached a verbal agreement over a contract renewal, while the possibility of a loan was also considered as a way for him to gain senior experience.

Guille Fernandez was close to signing a new contract with Barcelona. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

But as the transfer deadline approaches, that agreement has still not been formally completed.

Guille has been no stranger to interest from other clubs.

In fact, major teams across Europe have made approaches over recent summers, but the teenager has chosen to remain at Barcelona.

However, his development took a slightly different path last season.

Muscle problems disrupted his campaign and he did not establish himself as a regular key figure for the Barcelona reserve side. 

The possibility of a loan had therefore appeared to make sense for all parties.

Toni Fernandez is set to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

That scenario is still possible, but with no new contract signed, the situation has become more complicated. 

For now, Barcelona have not changed their belief in Guille’s potential, although the issue is finding the right formula for the next stage of his development and formalising an agreement that appeared close earlier in the summer.

Toni’s situation has been similarly active, although the range of interest in him has been particularly wide.

Clubs from Italy, Germany and England have made offers during the summer, with Aston Villa among those showing the strongest interest. 

Like Guille, Toni has previously turned down significant proposals in order to continue his career at Barça, but his situation has changed this summer.

Neither of the Fernandez brothers has trained or played with Barça Atlètic, and both now appear to be approaching the end of their time with the reserve team.