Regarded as a Jordi Arba in the making, young Barcelona star Juan Larios is confirmed to make the jump on Premier League and join up with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. In heading to Etihad, the 16-year-old overlooked similar offers from Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool, and chiefly because the reigning champions are willing to pay more.
No specific figures have been provided, but it was understood City made sure its bid to sign up the left-back will not be matched by rival clubs.
According to HITC, the teenager was offered an "eye-watering contract" to remain at Camp Nou but he still elected to make the switch, which is set to happen in time for the January transfer window. Had Larios took up on the Barca offer, he would have been among the Spanish giants' best-paid youth players.
The prospects, however, seemed rosier for Larios, labeled by the report as a highly-rated defender, to try his luck in English football.
That appeared to be true, money-wise, per the Daily Record, saying that the salary package offered by City was left unmatched by competing teams.
"According to individuals familiar with the deal, City offered financial terms far superior to those on offer elsewhere in the Premier League," the report said.
It was claimed too that Liverpool tried pushing its own bid but was ruled out by Larios' camp. Supposedly, the European champion has mishandled the career of a young football player who is part of the same agency that handles Larios.
The report, however, did not disclose the identity of the player, and there was no reaction from Liverpool officials on the matter.
Also, Larios made the decision to play in England as his camp is convinced that making the first-team will be easier for him in the City as compared to the overcrowded Barcelona.
The existence of other Spanish players and coaching staff played a factor as well on Larios's decision to go for City. It is envisioned that the young defender will find it easier to transition into senior football level with Guardiola, a fellow Spaniard, guiding him.
"We knew Manchester City would be the easiest club for Juan to adapt to English football as they have many Spanish players and staff," the report quoted a Larios insider as saying.
In losing the chance to sign the Barcelona wonderkid, Metro said United will have to continue its search for a full-back as Brandon Williams is still considered "a novice" while Luke Shaw remains underwhelming.
