In a recent announcement, Chelsea confirmed the acquisition of Barcelona striker Marc Guiu for a staggering €6 million. The 18-year-old teenager made the decision to depart from Barça, where he had one year remaining on his contract. Despite interest from various other European clubs and negotiations regarding an extension of his contract at Barça, Guiu ultimately chose to make the move to London.
Sources close to the situation revealed that Chelsea intends for Guiu to be an integral part of their first-team squad, which significantly influenced his choice to join the Premier League side. After spending 11 years at Barcelona, Guiu progressed through the academy and even debuted with the first team this past season. Notably, he scored a goal just 23 seconds into his debut match against Athletic Club last October and also made an impact in the Champions League.
Despite his potential and talent, Guiu often found himself playing second fiddle to Robert Lewandowski at Barcelona. The club also secured the services of Vítor Roque in January, further limiting Guiu’s opportunities with the first team. As a result, he spent the latter part of the season with the B team as they pursued promotion in the Spanish football league.
There is a sense of disappointment within Barcelona as Guiu departs for Chelsea. Sources within the club expressed their high regard for Guiu, highlighting his traditional striker qualities that are not commonly seen in La Masia. In hindsight, it is viewed as a mistake to expose Guiu to first-team football without securing a longer contract with a higher release clause beforehand. This contrasts with other emerging talents, such as Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, Hector Fort, and Marc Casadó, who have all signed more lucrative contracts with Barcelona.
As Guiu embarks on a new chapter with Chelsea, the focus now shifts to his development and adaptation to English football. With the opportunity to be part of the first-team setup, Guiu has a platform to showcase his skills and make a name for himself in the highly competitive Premier League. Chelsea’s investment in the young striker signals their belief in his potential and the promise of a bright future ahead.
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