Premier League giants Arsenal are missing out on Bundesliga wonderkid Noah Darvich with SC Freiburg confirming his £2 million move to Spanish champions Barcelona.
When Sport1 reported back in May that ‘half of Europe’ wanted to sign a player who shone for Germany at the recent U17 European Championships, they were not wrong.
Arsenal’s interest in Noah Darvich was only the tip of the iceberg. There was also Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Manchester City, Ajax and more. Pep Guardiola among many managers determined to get his mitts on a player who’s swagger and substance has drawn comparisons with one of the most talented attacking midfielders in the game; Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala.
But whenever a player of Darvich’s talent and potential appears on the market, it is not long before Barcelona come knocking.
And, speaking to Kicker, Freiburg’s sporting director Klemens Hartenbach is putting an end to speculation over the teenager’s future. Darvich will become the latest in a long line of uber-talented baby-faced playmakers hoping to graduate with flying colours from Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia finishing school.
Arsenal target Noah Darvich heading to Barcelona
“We showed Noah, his family and those around him an optimal sporting path and prospects at SC (Freiburg). Unfortunately, their decision went in a different direction,” Hartenbach sighs.
“We hope that the (medical) expectations at FC Barcelona will be fulfilled. We wish him all the best.”
Darvich has reportedly signed a contract until the summer of 2026 at the Camp Nou. Barcelona – as is tradition – will also hand him a one billion euro release clause. There will be no repeat of the ‘Neymar situation’, as far as La Blaugrana are concerned.
With his 17th birthday a month away, Darvich will be taking inspiration from Pedri and Gavi. Not to mention Xavi and Andres Iniesta; his remarkable technical ability and confidence in possession making him particularly well-suited to Barca’s way of playing.
Related Topics
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qbXTnGWcp51krrO%2FxKeYpWWdnsC0ec6uq2aZo2Kxqr7EnKuoql2YvK%2ByyKukrGWnpLulsdGkoJ1lmah6q7vIp6Cnn12XrrOvxKWmp5lf