‘Hard to say no’ – Jan Virgili talks possible Barcelona return

Jan Virgili has opened the door to a return to Barcelona, telling Sport that “it would be hard to say no” if the Catalan club approach him this summer. The 21-year-old forward left for Real Mallorca last July after Barça Atlètic’s relegation, but the La Liga giants retain first refusal on his services.

Virgili’s comments come amid growing speculation that Barça are weighing a reunion with the academy graduate rather than triggering the €30 million buy option in Marcus Rashford’s loan deal. Speaking from Mallorca, the winger did not hide his enduring attachment to the club where he lifted the Youth Cup, League and Champions League treble with Juvenil A.

“It was a dream come true for me,” Virgili said of his formative years in Barcelona. “Winning everything with Juvenil A and then playing with the reserve team was an unforgettable experience.”

The player admitted frustration at missing out on a first-team tour place twelve months ago, a setback that ultimately prompted his decision to seek opportunities elsewhere. “I was hoping to go on the tour and at least try to prove myself, but it didn’t happen. These things happen, and in the end I received an offer from Mallorca and decided to go for a change of direction.”

Barcelona’s buy-back clause means they can re-sign Virgili at any point, and the player’s latest remarks suggest negotiations would be straightforward should sporting director Deco decide to activate it. With the club searching for cost-effective attacking reinforcements, a home-grown solution could yet trump an expensive pursuit of external targets.