Barcelona academy gem’s contract situation might be blocking his first-team pathway

With injuries and summer departures, FC Barcelona have been left with very few options in the defensive midfield position at the moment.

Marc Bernal, called up from La Masia by new manager Hansi Flick, is out for a year after suffering an ACL injury, leaving Marc Casado as the only viable defensive midfielder, with the manager having to field Pedri in a deeper role alongside him to form the double pivot.

Given the situation, it was expected that Flick could turn to another La Masia gem, Pau Prim, to fill in but that has not been the case, with the manager expected to turn to the versatile Eric Garcia.

Why has Pau Prim not trained under Flick?

Now, according to SPORT, one of the factors behind Prim not being considered for a first-team role at the moment could be his contract situation.

Indeed, the teenage defensive midfielder’s current contract with Barcelona expires in the summer of 2025, meaning he has less than ten months left on his existing deal.

But, progress over a renewal has been very slow, which might be a reason behind him getting a first-team opportunity.

Prim chose to stay with his current agency in March despite interest from Jorge Mendes and other major representation firms. Talks have been held over a new deal but no breakthrough has been made, causing uncertainty over his future.

A talented player

Prim was the starting defensive midfielder for Barça Atletic last season and is widely regarded as one of the best young talents coming through in his position, alongside Bernal.

As such, it was expected that when the 17-year-old suffered the ACL injury, Prim would step in, but that has not been the case.

Flick did not include the 18-year-old in the squad for the US pre-season tour either – a decision that surprised many, while he has not been called up to first-team training either.

The youngster, though, has put his head down and worked hard in pre-season with Barça Atletic, impressing everyone and is now a permanent fixture in the midfield for the reserve team alongside Unai Hernandez and Guille Fernandez.

Prim is a classic La Masia defensive midfielder, known for simplifying play with one or two touches and making intelligent decisions. His role in the team is clear: he is the player who organizes the team and plays a highly positional game.

As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Flick will reconsider Prim’s potential and whether his solid performances with Barça Atletic might eventually earn him a spot in the first team.