Official: Barcelona sign 21-year-old attacker from Girona

FC Barcelona have officially announced that they have secured the signing of Oscar Urena, a promising 21-year-old forward, from Girona. Urena has signed a contract with Barça Athletic that will keep him at the club until 2026.

“The Spanish-Dominican footballer has passed the medical tests, has visited the facilities of the Joan Gamper Sports City and has stepped onto the pitch of the Johan Cruyff Stadium dressed in blue and red,” said Barcelona in an official statement.

“The official signing of his contract is pending,” the statement added.

Who is Oscar Urena?

Urena arrives at Barcelona following two productive seasons on loan at Cartagena, a team in Spain’s Second Division. His experience there has been crucial in developing his skills and preparing him for the challenges that lie ahead with Barcelona.

Additionally, Urena recently represented the Dominican Republic in the Olympics, where he gained valuable international experience.

Although the Dominican Republic team did not progress beyond the group stage, Urena managed to make a notable contribution, playing 153 minutes across the tournament. The team drew matches against Uzbekistan and Egypt but was defeated by Spain.

At Barcelona, Urena is expected to bolster the attacking lineup, which has seen some changes recently. With Pau Victor’s promotion, Diego Percan’s injury, and Naim Garcia’s return from a loan spell at Leganes, the addition of Urena comes at a crucial time.

His versatility as a winger, capable of playing on either flank, makes him an ideal fit for the team’s tactical setup.

Known for his exceptional ball control and ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations, Urena poses a significant threat to any opposing defence. His presence on the pitch is expected to bring a new dynamic to Barcelona’s attacking strategies.

It’s worth mentioning that Urena is not entirely new to top-flight football. He has previously played for Girona’s senior team during the 2021/22 season.

His brief stint in the First Division saw him make three appearances before being loaned to Cartagena in January. During the 2023/24 season, Urena was loaned out once again, this time to Leganes, where he played a pivotal role in their successful promotion to the First Division.