Roughly eight months after last playing for Barcelona, Austrian teenager Yusuf Demir could be on his way to MLS, with Los Angeles FC in talks to sign the winger from Rapid Wien according to Sky Sport in Germany.
Demir, who has made four appearances for Austria's national team, joined the Catalan side from Wien in July 2021 for a reported loan fee of $550,000.
The 19-year-old played for Barca as recently as December 2021 - in the Champions League no less.
He was even given the No. 11 shirt.
But Xavi reportedly did not see the winger (who played 9 games for Barca) as part of the club's future, and so his loan was cancelled in January to avoid paying a roughly $10 million mandatory purchase fee that would've been triggered by one more appearance.
Wien are open to letting him leave, Sky Sport in Germany said, and the talks 'seem to be in [the] final stages.'
Demir first re-appeared for the Austrian club in February after leaving Barca and played 13 more games for them, starting in eight and scoring once.
However, he's not far removed from his seven-goal season in the 2020-21 campaign, which preceded Barca taking a chance on him via loan.
That move has not worked out, but he'll be hoping a potential one to LAFC will.
Demir would be far from the first high-level prospect to join MLS, which is slowly beginning to shed its 'retirement league' label.
His ex-teammate Riqui Puig -- still just 22 years old - is reportedly on the verge of joining the LA Galaxy.
Elsewhere, 20-year-old Brazilian Talles Magno was linked with PSG and Liverpool before joining New York City FC last year, and 23-year-old Cucho Hernandez joined the Columbus Crew last month after a five-goal Premier League campaign for Watford last season.
Demir would join a star-studded roster at LAFC that includes Gareth Bale, Giorgio Chiellini and ex-Barca man Carlos Vela.
They are currently first place in the West by four points - with a game in hand.
Duebiknsyz
2
I really think he was much better than Ferran. His shot against real Madrid, if it's in instead of hitting the bar, he would have been in Barca. but Barca is a ungrateful club now..so no wonder
Jemacekru
1
Barcelona why are u losing dis guy
Feebceiloy
0
it's just how Barcelona are treating players look at the perfect player like Demi
Shut up. He was even a player on loan at barca. Be wise
Wrist10
1
The problem is that these players did not get to meet s strong Barca first team If they did, they would have gradually been integrated into the squad. The expectation for these young players were so huge.
19646244(deleted)
0
I guess that he and Puig isn’t nt as good as we all want them and think they should be☹️
obachizzy07
3
Barcelona will just buy a talent and let them waste at the end sell them! What is wrong with our team
Shauny300
0
it's just how Barcelona are treating players look at the perfect player like Demi
if he was good enough he wouldn't have MLS as only option stupid kid
wedekortu
3
it's just how Barcelona are treating players look at the perfect player like Demi
Zozbknpsy
2
damn so sad hear stuff like this😔
Vokikltuz
4
this boy is very perfect,
Hekailouy
0
was Carlos Vela an ex Barca player?
Joejust
1
At what age
xx88x
0
riqui puig also
I’m pretty sure puig went to galaxy
Hipbcdmrt
1
Liverpool should go and get him. He's a young future player
denismalja123
0
Garethbale, chellini, now Yusuf Los Angeles fc are cooking something 🥵
riqui puig also
Resbcemop
1
this guy us very good
jauakmrty
7
In Future Youngsters Will Never Join Barcelona Otherwise They Will End Up Thier Career In MLS🤣🤣🤣
Chimobiorji
7
Garethbale, chellini, now Yusuf Los Angeles fc are cooking something 🥵