Toni Fernandez turned the second-youngest participant ever to make his debut for FC Barcelona when he got here on as an alternative within the Copa del Rey conflict towards UD Barbastro final Saturday.
On the age of 16 years and 173 days, the La Masia ahead is behind solely Lamine Yamal on the listing of youngest gamers to have featured for the Catalan giants within the historical past of the membership.
Toni is a participant that supervisor Hansi Flick admires, with the German tactician even giving the teenage gem loads of alternatives throughout the pre-season tour of the USA.
Now, the academy ace is a part of the Barcelona squad on its approach to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Tremendous Cup later this week.
Man Metropolis, Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen needed Toni Fernandez
Now, it has emerged that Toni Fernandez was attracting curiosity from a few of Europe’s heavy-hitters throughout the summer time.
Certainly, in line with AS, Premier League champions Manchester Metropolis, Bundesliga title-holders Bayer Leverkusen, and Serie A bigwigs Juventus all needed to signal the teenage prodigy from Barcelona in the summertime of 2024.
A particular expertise. (Picture by Eric Alonso/Getty Photos)
Having turn into conscious of the curiosity that the younger expertise was attracting, Barça director Deco rapidly started working and after talking together with his household and advisors, tied the participant right down to a brand new contract.
As such, Toni, who turned 16 in July 2024, signed his first skilled contract with Barcelona, penning a three-year deal till 2027.
Flick’s reward for Toni Fernandez
Following the sport towards Barbastro when Toni made his official senior debut, Flick was fast to reward the 16-year-old.
“He is a superb expertise and he has no concern,” he informed the membership media.
“He got here on and took a nook. It’s nice to see him again as a result of he has been out injured for fairly some time. He did effectively in the present day.”
If Toni continues to progress on this method, a brand new contract won’t be far-off.