According to the latest report from Sport, Barcelona have beaten Real Madrid and Man City to re-sign young talent Enzo Pérez from the Girona youth academy.
Reportedly, the Girona U14 team won the league title and successfully advanced to the Catalonia Championship final, with Enzo Pérez emerging as a standout performer. Clubs such as Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Villarreal showed strong interest in him, but he had already made a clear decision in his mind.
His primary objective was to return to Barcelona or remain at Girona. Staying at Girona involved another consideration: Man City hoped he would move to England after completing his youth development. Man City have been closely monitoring promising young talents in the academies of City Football Group clubs, and they regard Enzo as the most promising midfielder born in 2012.
Man City's plan was for Enzo Pérez to develop at Girona before moving to the Etihad Stadium when he turned 18. This was not about signing him immediately, as that is not legally feasible, but rather about developing him through an affiliated club like Girona, which belongs to the City Football Group.
Barcelona's strong interest and active efforts to re-sign the player proved to be a significant positive factor. The diligent work of Sergi Milà, Andrés Manzano, and Alexanco played a decisive role in Enzo's decision to return to the club he has always supported.
Between 2020 and 2023, Enzo Pérez played seven-a-side football for Barcelona. Barcelona originally signed him from Sant Cugat, but after three seasons, the club decided he was no longer a suitable fit. He then joined Gimnàstic Manresa, and after an excellent season, Girona extended an offer to him.
At the Girona academy, he enjoyed two brilliant seasons, leading his team to victories over Barcelona and Espanyol during his time with the U13 and U14 squads, while his outstanding performances helped secure consecutive league titles. Even after moving up to the Girona U15 squad, he remained the team’s brightest player.
Enzo Pérez is a player who can dominate in duels, with his personality and leadership particularly standing out. He can also play as a "number 8"—although he has enough quality to operate as a defensive midfielder without needing to advance several meters, while still providing a significant attacking threat for the team.
Enzo Pérez is also a set-piece specialist, adept at taking free kicks and penalties. In this regard, his character particularly stands out, as he always steps up and never shies away from responsibility. Real Madrid had strongly pursued signing him and bringing him to Valdebebas, but the major plans for his future came from Man City.
Enzo Pérez is grateful to Man City, and staying with the club seemed like a very attractive option for him. Girona’s desire to keep him, along with interest from other clubs monitoring his progress, was very strong, but his final decision was shaped by both emotional and footballing considerations.
It now appears that Enzo Pérez will return to Barcelona and become teammates with his brother, Luca, who has already agreed to a contract renewal with Barcelona and will play for Barcelona's Youth B team next season.
Next season, Luca Pérez will play for the B youth team, while Enzo Pérez will be part of the U15 squad. Both are highly talented and have a special affection for Barcelona. If La Masia is the best youth academy in the world, it is partly because most players here have a deep sense of belonging.
At Barcelona, players grow and develop within a unique playing philosophy and an unparalleled pathway to the first team. Enzo Pérez chose to play for Barcelona, and Barcelona chose Enzo Pérez. All signs suggest that neither party will regret this decision.