A mass exodus is going on at Barcelona 's reserve team Barça Atletic, and the club recently confirmed that as many as five players will leave the club when their contracts run out in a few days.
Víctor Barbera, Joaquin Delgado, Oscar Urena, Emilio Bernad, and Ander Astralaga are the five players who are set to depart, and of them, it is Astralaga's name that is the most familiar.
After all, the player has been a part of several first-team training sessions and call-ups as the team's third-choice goalkeeper but never went on to make his official debut.
Taking to his social media earlier today, the player confirmed that he will leave the club at the end of his contract and look for a new club to represent.
His farewell message, however, was filled with emotion and gratitude for all the memories he made over the years in Catalonia.
"I arrived in Barcelona eight years ago as a child, with the illusion that one day this could become my profession. Today I leave with memories that that child would never have imagined living,"he began, taking a trip down the memory lane.
He then added how he was privileged to share the dressing room with some of the best in the business at the club, across all levels.
"Growing up in La Masia , wearing the shirt of this very special club and sharing the locker room with some of the best players in the world has been a real privilege."
Astralaga then highlighted how what he valued the most was the connection he built with so many individuals at the club over the years.
"Above all, I take people. Teammates, coaches, club workers, and friends with whom I have grown up, who have made these years an unforgettable stage. The friendships that this path leaves me are, without a doubt, the most valuable gift I take."
"Thanks to FC Barcelona and all those who have been part of this beautiful stage. I really enjoyed it. See you soon,"he concluded.
Astralaga leaves Barcelona. (Photo by CARLO HERMANN/AFP via Getty Images)
Astralaga arrived in Catalonia in 2018 and was a regular member of the training sessions and squad call-ups under both Xavi Hernandez and Hansi Flick.
He was first called up to the first-team in the 2022-23 season in which he earned two call-ups. In the 2023-24 campaign, the player travelled with the first-team for 38 matches and was a regular in the squad.
Even under Flick, he was part of the squad in 26 games for Barcelona's first-team in the 2024-25 season and it is unfortunate that he never once earned a debut.
Nevertheless, there is no doubt that he is a very talented player and that he has a bright future ahead of him. As matters stand, there is no knowledge of his next step.
