Barcelona targeting Zaragoza gem Alberto Soro (AS)

AS has learned that Barcelona technical director Ramon Planes has watched the player on five occasions and made contact with his representatives.

Nineteen-year-old Alberto Soro of Real Zaragoza is the latest young player to enter Barcelona’s agenda. AS has learned that Barcelona technical director Ramón Planes, has personally attended as many as five games to watch the young midfielder, reporting Barca's interest to his representatives at Media Base Sports.

Soro has a buy-out clause set at 9 million euros, which would rise to 11 million if Zaragoza secure promotion to the Primera. Although considering Zaragoza are currently sit 15th in LaLiga 2, that will not happen this year.

Left-footed, Soro is considered a link-up player with great technical ability. His natural position is in the centre of midfield but he can also play on the wide channels. This season he has played 871 minutes, providing two goals and one assist in that time. His prominence in the team has grown since the arrival of coach Víctor Fernández in December, for whom he has played 470 minutes and started five of the last six games.

Interest from other clubs

Barcelona are not the only club following the talented youngster. Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly willing to pay his buyout clause to bring him to Germany, while other European clubs, including Real Madrid, are also closely monitoring his progress.

Soro started in Zaragoza’s youth setup. And after being promoted to the first team last summer, the club offered him a first team contract, setting his nine-million-euro buyout clause ahead of the growing interest from the likes of Barcelona, Madrid, and Manchester City. In previous years, the teenager had also drawn the interest of Atlético Madrid and Espanyol.