According to a recent revelation from SPORT , Barcelona have already started preparing for next season and are considering an interesting operation involving two of the club's most highly regarded young players.
The report claims Barcelona have proposed sending Xavi Espart and Toni Fernandez to Real Oviedo for the 2026/27 campaign.
Oviedo's difficult season was officially confirmed in recent days after the side mathematically suffered relegation despite there still being three matches left to play.
Even so, preparations for next season are already underway and Barcelona believe Oviedo could provide the ideal environment for two of their emerging academy talents to continue developing.
Both Espart and Toni currently belong to Barça Atletic and have already taken important steps in their progression by making appearances with the senior squad.
However, with competition for places expected to remain extremely fierce next season, the club believes regular minutes elsewhere may now be the best option for their development.
The idea is that both players need consistent football, responsibility and experience in a demanding competitive environment rather than remaining limited to occasional appearances.
Barcelona view the Segunda Division as an ideal next step and believe Oviedo could offer both youngsters an important role immediately.
Toni Fernandez could move to Real Oviedo. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Interestingly, the proposed operation may also connect indirectly with another ongoing piece of business between the two clubs.
Joaquin Delgado, who belongs to Oviedo, joined Barça Atletic on loan during the winter transfer window and Barcelona are now believed to be seriously considering activating a permanent move for the player .
Although the potential loan deals involving Espart and Toni Fernandez would technically remain separate operations, reports suggest they could still help facilitate negotiations and potentially lower the overall cost of signing Delgado.
Furthermore, Barcelona are looking to protect the development of Espart and Toni carefully before approving any agreement.
According to the report, the club would like any potential loan arrangement to include guarantees regarding playing time.
Notably, one of the proposed conditions would reportedly require both Espart and Toni Fernandez to feature in at least 66% of the available minutes across the season.
Should all parties eventually reach a full agreement, Barcelona would also look to reward the two youngsters with contract extensions before their temporary departures.
