Jan Virgili Continues to Feature Regularly for Spain’s Youth Teams

Palma de Mallorca—While Mallorca’s 20-year-old winger Jan Virgili lights up La Liga, the former La Masia prodigy is simultaneously cementing his place on the international stage, retaining a regular spot with Spain’s U-21 squad for the upcoming March window.

Virgili, who swapped Barcelona for Mallorca last summer in a €3.5 million deal, has started every league match under both former coach Jagoba Arrasate and current boss Martín Demichelis. His explosive form on the right flank has translated seamlessly to the national-team environment, where he is expected to play a key role in Spain’s European U-21 Championship qualifying campaign.

The call-up caps a whirlwind 12 months for the Catalan. After helping Barça’s U-19 side sweep an unprecedented treble—La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Youth League—Virgili trained with Hansi Flick’s senior side in pre-season, only to be left off the club’s lucrative Asian tour. Mallorca pounced, triggering a clause-heavy transfer that saw Barcelona retain 50 percent of any future sell-on fee and the right to match any incoming bid.

Speaking exclusively to SPORT, Virgili admitted the decision to leave was painful but pragmatic: “Barça Atlètic got relegated and, even if being at Barça is a privilege, I think staying at Barça B, more so at a lower division, Mallorca was a train I couldn’t let pass by.”

The winger’s performances have reignited speculation of a Camp Nou return, especially with Barcelona’s ongoing uncertainty over Marcus Rashford’s €35 million buy-option. When asked how he would respond if sporting director Deco phoned, Virgili replied: “It would be hard saying no.” He added: “That was my dream and is my dream and I think it will always be my dream.”

For now, Virgili’s immediate focus is on Mallorca’s push for a top-half finish and Spain’s youth-level ambitions. Yet every dribble, assist and goal edges him closer to the senior national team—and perhaps a second chance at the club he still calls home.