Chelsea is in the final stages of negotiations to sign Barcelona’s highly-rated striker, Marc Guiu. The Premier League club is ready to meet Guiu’s €6 million ($5 million) release clause to secure the 18-year-old’s services.
Despite Barcelona’s attempts to keep the young forward, contract extension talks have hit a roadblock in recent months. Guiu’s current deal is due to expire in 2025, providing an opportunity for Chelsea to step in and attract the talented striker to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s Plans for Guiu
Chelsea has had fruitful discussions with Guiu’s representatives and intends to incorporate him directly into their first-team setup, rather than loaning him out. The London club has expressed its readiness to activate the affordable release clause, and Guiu is expected to make a decision on his future shortly.
Guiu has had a standout season with Barcelona, making his first-team debut in October 2023 and scoring just 23 seconds after coming on as a substitute. He has since made seven appearances for the senior squad, scoring twice – once in La Liga and once in the Champions League. Despite primarily training with Barcelona’s first team, Guiu has also been a regular for the club’s B team, scoring six goals in 16 appearances as they pushed for promotion to the Segunda División.
Barcelona insiders admit that the club may have erred in promoting Guiu to the first team without first securing a longer contract with a higher release clause, unlike other promising La Masia graduates who have signed deals with more prohibitive clauses. With Chelsea leading the race for Guiu’s signature, the 18-year-old appears set to continue his development in the Premier League, potentially becoming the latest young talent to leave Barcelona’s acclaimed academy in search of more playing time and opportunities.
