Barcelona’s recent struggle to fill spots where they had lost key veterans was one of their biggest challenges. The pivot position was the most important of these roles because Barcelona essentially had no other outlets to rely on.

Several names surfaced as prospective targets throughout the summer transfer season. Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi was likely Barcelona and Xavi Hernandez’s top target, but the operation failed because of his huge release clause and his reluctance to leave Real Sociedad.

In the end, Barcelona decided to sign Oriol Romeu from Girona as a low-cost acquisition who can handle the responsibility of the pivot position at least temporarily, given the fact that he also has solid experience with the Barcelona style of play having previously been a member of La Masia in his early years.

But most recently, Hugo Sotelo of Celta Vigo is said to have caught Barcelona’s attention, according to the Spanish publication SPORT. The 19-year-old pivot now has a subordinate record for Celta, and his recent contractual issues have raised the suspicions of many elite teams.

The 19-year-old defensive midfielder is reportedly being closely watched by both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Given that his current release clause is set at €10 million as long as he is on his subsidiary contract, Barcelona views him as a possible long-term investment.

Many people around him were aware that he might be crucial for Celta this season because of his preseason success. However, the footballer recently turned down a first contract renewal offer from Celta Vigo.

The player’s extension is a top priority for Celta Vigo because his current team has a contract with him through 2025. The club is mindful of the potentially bad outcomes that can occur if they are unable to secure the young star for a longer length of time, with elite teams like Barca and Madrid keeping an eye on their discussions in an effort to snare him away.