The 19-year-old, a standout talent from the famed La Masia academy, has secured a permanent transfer to the Balearic club, with the Catalans retaining significant control over his future.
The agreement, confirmed by multiple sources, sees Mallorca pay around 3.5 million euros for Virgili, while Barcelona have secured a 50% sell-on clause and a buyback option, ensuring they maintain a stake in the player's long-term potential. "The operation is now fully completed," reported Barca Universal, highlighting the deal's closure after negotiations led by Mallorca's sporting director Pablo Ortells and deputy Aritz Aduriz with Barcelona's Deco.
Virgili's move follows a summer of speculation, with the winger drawing interest from several La Liga clubs, including Girona and Almeria, due to his explosive performances. The teenager shone for Spain's Under-19s at the European Championship, notching four goal contributions in four games, and was a key figure in Barcelona's Youth League triumph, scoring four goals and providing three assists. His recent display in the U-20 Intercontinental Cup against Flamengo further underscored his potential, with COPE noting his "spectacular goal" as a reminder of his flair.
Mallorca's manager Jagoba Arrasate played a pivotal role in securing Virgili, having personally outlined the winger's role in his squad. "Arrasate was particularly fond of the Barcelona academy player," stated SPORT, emphasizing the coach's influence in the transfer, as he was in Mallorca's earlier signing of Pablo Torre from Barcelona. The move offers Virgili a chance to compete for a starting spot in La Liga, a step up from the fourth-tier football he faced with Barca Atletic.
Barcelona's decision to let Virgili go stems from their crowded attacking line, bolstered by arrivals like Marcus Rashford, which limited his first-team prospects under Hansi Flick. "The excess of attacking options has prevented Flick from giving him a chance," COPE reported, noting Virgili's ambition to play top-flight football at 19.
The Catalans' strategy to retain a buyback clause reflects their belief in his potential, with fears in the club that he could "explode" elsewhere, per COPE's analysis.
The transfer marks Barcelona's second exit in 24 hours, following goalkeeper Inaki Pena's loan move to Elche, as confirmed by the club's official X account: "Inaki Pena extends contract and leaves on loan for Elche." Mallorca, meanwhile, continue their raid on Barcelona's youth ranks, with Ortells and Aduriz also discussing potential deals for Hector Fort and Dani Rodriguez, though no agreements have been reached.
Virgili arrived in Palma on Wednesday night, as captured by SPORT at the airport, and is set to undergo a medical on Thursday before signing a five-year contract. He could make his Mallorca debut against Real Madrid this Saturday, a high-stakes opportunity to showcase his pace and versatility. "His verticality and ability to play on both flanks are exactly what Arrasate wanted," COPE said, underlining why Mallorca have invested in the young star.
For Barcelona, the deal balances financial needs with future-proofing, while Virgili embarks on a new chapter to prove himself in La Liga's spotlight.
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