An interesting deal was meant to be struck between Barcelona and Austrian side Rapid Vienna alas…The Catalans thought they found a ‘diamond in the ruff’ when bringing in young Yusuf Demir from the capital of Austria on loan. An option was embedded into the loan agreement between the two teams that if Demir played 10 matches for the Camp Nou crew, then the Spanish club would be required to purchase him for 10 million euros.However, Barcelona don’t wish to activate the 10-match purchase option – given their financial situation, the club don’t see Demir as a necessary expense.Sun, 02/01, 21:00: (5.00) Mallorca (3.70) Barcelona (1.80)Barcelona do see the youngster as a massive potential but Demir hasn’t kicked on from the beginning of the campaign. Also, his salary would also be a problem if added to the club’s wage bill.With Demir already recording nine matches in both LaLiga Santander and the Champions League, the club can’t afford to select him again – they would be legally obligated to pay for him if he was to play one more. The footballer was reportedly told to look for another club and that it would be best for him – the 18-year-old has shown to be too good to stay with Rapid Vienna and there would for sure be other suitors among big European clubs.Pep: ’It’s hard to turn down Barca or Real when they call you’A January cleaning is planned at Barcelona and Demir is the first player that will leave the club with at least four others set to join him out the exit door. As the club look to make room for Ferran Torres who will arrive from Manchester City – moves for Samuel Umtiti, Coutinho, Sergino Dest and Luuk de Jong are all being planned.
