AS: Santander to Give Salinas a Pay Rise and Increase His Former €16 Million Release Clause

According to AS, Jorge Salinas had a very busy summer. His name was linked with several major clubs in Spain and Europe, but he ultimately stayed at Racing Santander. No club paid the €16 million release clause for the 19-year-old left-back.

However, the player is now attracting significant attention and could potentially make a major breakthrough with the Cantabrian club on the La Liga stage if they are promoted from the Segunda Division. Therefore, according to AS, Racing Santander will give him a pay rise. This is both a reward for his performances and talent, and could also increase his release clause. No one triggered his clause this summer, but if he continues to develop in La Liga, that figure could soon appear too low.

AS reports that Barcelona made a €5 million offer, but it was rejected by Racing Santander, as were other bids below the release clause. Atletico Madrid were the most aggressive club, with a highest offer of €14 million. Atletico, who signed Grimaldo this summer, did not continue increasing their bid. Manchester United and Aston Villa also showed interest in the player.

Position needing reinforcement

In any case, Barcelona are closely monitoring the left-back market. Dimarco could be an excellent opportunity, as his contract expires in June 2027 and the player has already expressed his willingness to wear the Barcelona shirt. Nevertheless, Salinas represents the future, and Barcelona will not ease their attention on him.

The sporting management led by Deco has been searching for solutions in all directions, and the left side of defense has remained one of their key areas of focus. In the end, the team did not sign a left-footed center-back, while the solution for the flank was Cancelo, despite him playing on his weaker side. Espart is currently the starter, with Balde as the third option.

Balde has decided to stay at Barcelona, despite hearing directly from Flick that the coach has much higher expectations for him. The Barcelona academy product's current task is to prove in training that he deserves to be at the club; otherwise, the club may have to look for solutions in the winter window. The 22-year-old Balde is a very important asset for the club, with his departure price set between €30 million and €40 million.

If Balde leaves, Barcelona's plan to sign a specialist left-back would accelerate, and Salinas would be one of the names on the priority list. In any case, Deco and his team currently have four months to evaluate any moves before the January transfer window reopens.