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Another underrated wonderkid

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FC Barcelona have shown interest in signing 21-year-old midfielder Sergi Altimira who currently plays for side CE Sabadell FC in the Primera Federación, the Spanish 3rd Division. When it comes to betting on youth prospects, Catalan giants FC Barcelona are certainly a team which doesn’t shy away. They have bet on a lot of young talents. They go to any extent to get the signature if they see the potential in the player. This way has been turbocharged with the success of Pedri, and they have already sought to replicate it by signing Pablo Torre and targeting Unai Hernandez.

When Barcelona comes knocking on the door for you, it means business. Altimira has played in the Barcelona youth academy before and the team attempted to sign him this deadline day but failed. However, his contract runs out at the end of June 2023 and the team look set to go all in for him. Barcelona are building a new team surrounded by their academy graduates, the most notable one being Ansu Fati in recent times. It will be interesting to see how Altimira is included in that set-up under Xavi. Let’s take a look into this.

Who is Sergi Altimira?

Sergi Altimira Clavell is a Spanish footballer who plays for third-tier side CE Sabadell. He is the son of former footballer and FC Barcelona coach Aureli Altimira and cousin of FC Andorra Right-Back Adria Altimira. He developed at the La Masia academy at FC Barcelona. 

When he was just 18, he left for Sabadell in 2019 to play for their under-18 team. He also spent the 2020-21 season on loan at EC Granollers. Last season, he played 29 times for the Sabadell first team in all competitions. 

He has impressed both Barcelona and Gerard Pique-owned Andorra with his talent and hence, both teams are interested in signing the youngster from Cardedeau. 

Sergi Altimira potential

The 21-year-old Spaniard plays as a central midfielder. He played 28 times last season reaching 850 minutes. He is a different player on the field, he has amazing ball control and tight possession ability. The ball simply sticks to his feet like a magnet, which combined with his ability to retain possession is breathtaking and a joy to watch. It is no surprise Barcelona wants to re-sign the player.

One of his most unique abilities is to quickly switch the ball from one foot to the other, even if the ball is mid-air with a sudden burst of pace afterwards which is enough to catch defenders off-guard. 

He can be also deemed a skilful, ball-carrying midfielder in the mould of a “Mezzala“. He has got tricks under his belt and if you see him la croqueta his way through the midfield, don’t be surprised. His speed is incredible and helps with a lot of other things as well. Altamira’s agile dribbling, quick turn-arounds, ability to retain the ball in pressurising circumstances and bursting through the pitch make him a special player.

How can Sergi Altimira fit at FC Barcelona?

Xavi is building something special at his club. He has strengthened the squad by making significant signings. He has brought Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Raphinha, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Hector Bellerin and Marcos Alonso to his roster. He is looking sharp with a point to prove and make his team great again. 

The reserve team are also looking for players with high potential and are always aware in the market. It looks like they have set their eyes sharp on Altimira and it is very likely he will sign for them next season. He won’t be enjoying frequent first-team football like he is at Sabadell and would have to climb through the ranks but an offer from a team like Barca is very serious and well worth it. The fans should be excited to see what the youngster does this season and delivers if he decides to join them in the future.

Aditya Kochhar
A true Red Devil, who has idolised David de Gea for more than a decade. He loves watching conspiracy documentaries, writing poetry and food. He claims to be a God-tier FIFA player and can be seen occasionally ranting while playing it.

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