Barcelona teenager Marc Jurado has confirmed his exit from the Nou Camp, and is reportedly set to join Manchester United.
Jurado posted a heartfelt Instagram message on Monday evening revealing the news of his departure, as well as thanking the club for overseeing his development since he joined their fabled academy aged seven.
And according to the Metro, the 16-year-old right-back is now expected to join United after having his head turned by the Old Trafford club.
Jurado is regarded as one of the most talented prospects in the ‘La Masia’ academy and Barcelona were said to be keen to tie him down to a long-term contract.
But the Spaniard appears to have decided on a move to United and will join the club which has a growing reputation for offering opportunities to their academy players.
The Metro claims the Reds will pay a small compensation fee of £200,000 to Barcelona for Jurado’s services.
It’s encouraging to hear that United continue to invest in their youth system and we can’t wait to see how Jurado develops through the academy ranks, if he does indeed make the move to Manchester.
Here’s Jurado’s message to his 10,500 Instagram followers translated into English:
“It’s never easy to leave a team that has given you everything.
“FC Barcelona has been my second home, my second family, where I have developed as a player and as a person.
“Today it’s time to say goodbye, but not before expressing my gratitude to each of the people who have helped me since I started in the year 2011.
“I have been lucky to share my passion with a fantastic generation, with which I will always be linked. We started as boys who just wanted to run after a ball and I say goodbye, nine years later, calling them friends. Only we know the immense luck we have had with all the coaches who have developed us and helped us to keep fulfilling our dreams. Every stage has a beginning and an end. Mine, having reflected a lot with my family, has come. I leave behind unforgettable memories which will always stay with me.”
READ MORE Solskjaer has dilemma over his most influential Man Utd player ahead of Brighton clash
