Barcelona begin talks to sign Dominican Republic forward on loan for next season: Reports

Barcelona have reportedly opened talks to sign Dominican Republic forward Oscar Urena on loan from Girona next season. That comes after they signed Pau Victor from their La Liga rivals in the summer, with the 22-year-old exceeding expectations in pre-season.

According to Nil Sola (via Barca Universal), the Blaugrana have turned to Girona once more to bolster their roster. With players like Robert Lewandowski nearing their final years, the emergence of youngsters who can take over is a requirement. Barca seemingly see Urena as such an option.

The Pau Victor deal was done a particular way. Barcelona signed the winger on loan last season, keeping him playing for their youth team and monitoring his progress. He impressed enough for them to sign him on a permanent deal this summer, and he looks set to be a good piece of business for the club.

Following that success, Barca are prepared to sign Urena by treading down the same route, getting him on loan to play for the Atletic team first. If he can succeed at that level in a year, the avenue to the first team and a permanent signing could open up for him.

It's worth noting that Urena has options to move to other clubs, but according to the report. he's adamant on a move to the Camp Nou. There are no guarantees that he will play for the first team, but he sees the club as the next phase of his career and is willing to take the chance.

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Marc-Andre ter Stegen warns Barcelona's Lamine Yamal to ignore praise

Oscar Urena might be on his way to push for a slot in the first team at the Camp Nou. For Lamine Yamal, the road has since been paved and opened, with the teenager playing in the first team at the age of 16.

His talent has shown on the international stage, as he shone for Spain in their Euro 2024 triumph, However, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has warned him to ignore the praise and keep improving. The experienced shot-stopper said on ESPN (via GOAL):

"I hope he keeps his feet on the ground, that he doesn't listen to the praise and thinks about the moment, that he continues to work for the team. He still has room for improvement, he is very young, he is just starting. He has also grown physically. Lamine knows that he can count on me for anything he needs.”

Under new Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, Lamine Yamal will hope to continue his impressive form shown on international duty.