Release clause dispute could double Barcelona's price for Salinas

Barcelona face a deadline to secure Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas before 1 July, when his release clause could rise from €8 million to €16 million, potentially doubling the fee. The 19‑year‑old, regarded as one of Spain’s most promising defenders, is at the centre of a dispute between the Catalan club and Racing, which claims promotion to La Liga triggers the higher clause.

Racing Santander argue that their promotion to La Liga has already activated a clause increasing Salinas’ buyout fee from €8 million to €16 million. Barcelona and the player’s representatives counter that the increase should only take effect after the current season ends on 30 June, keeping the clause at €8 million until then.

Jorge Mendes, the Portuguese super‑agent who represents Salinas, has become the central figure in the negotiations. Sources close to the talks say Mendes has just over two days to broker an agreement before the calendar begins to work against Barcelona.

Barcelona maintain that a fee close to €8 million fairly reflects Salinas’ market value, noting he has only just earned promotion and has yet to establish himself in Spain’s top flight. To reduce the cash outlay, the club is also discussing the loan of a promising La Masia youngster as part of the deal, offering Racing additional sporting value.

Villarreal and Atletico Madrid are monitoring the situation and stand ready to act should the negotiations collapse, adding further pressure on Racing and Barcelona.

Salinas has made clear his priority is joining Hansi Flick’s project, and a preliminary agreement exists between the player and Barcelona. Once the clubs reach an accord, Barcelona intend to integrate Salinas directly into the first‑team squad for pre‑season rather than assigning him to the reserve side.

The defender is currently away with Spain’s U‑19 national team for the European Championship, meaning negotiations continue behind the scenes.

With 1 July rapidly approaching, Mendes leads the effort to resolve the dispute, and Barcelona hope to complete the signing as their second summer acquisition after Anthony Gordon.

If a compromise is found, Barcelona could secure Salinas before the clause doubles, while rival clubs would miss the opportunity to sign the promising defender.