Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo are today counting the cost of losing players from La Masia and one of them is Adrian Bernabe, who it’s once again stated is going to Manchester City.
It’s a situation which has been causing anger in Barcelona as they continue to lose youngsters to other big clubs around Europe. Manchester City are one of those who are most active in their pursuit of La Masia talents, and it’s a conflicting situation for the Catalan media.
Pep Guardiola’s side get a very positive press in Catalonia, for several reasons. There’s obviously the Barca connection through Guardiola, Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano, but City have for years been making attempts to woo them.
Manuel Pellegrini cancelled Sport and Mundo Deportivo access at one stage, as he thought the newspaper had people too close to the team ahead of a Premier League match against Newcastle United.
The Catalan media hit back, but at the manager, and there’s been a string of very positive reports on the City project.
Bernabe, a 17 year old attacking midfielder, will join former La Masia mates at Manchester City, and there’s not so much anger directed to the club.
It’s even accepted in Catalonia that money may not be the primary reason for exits, with clubs like City luring players with detailed plans for career progression.
