Toni Fernandez 's time at Barcelona could be approaching its conclusion, with Venezia emerging as the club best placed to take the highly rated La Masia attacker to Serie A.
According to SPORT , the Italian side is advancing in their efforts to sign the 18-year-old, with discussions now focused on a deal that would allow Barcelona to receive a transfer fee while retaining a percentage of any future sale.
Toni has known for some time that he was not part of Hansi Flick's plans for the current season, despite completing pre-season with the Barcelona first team.
Furthermore, a return to Barça Atlètic has also been ruled out, leaving the youngster searching for the next step in his development.
Notably, interest has arrived from several countries, including clubs in the Bundesliga, Serie A and Premier League .
Venezia, though, have moved into pole position and are now understood to have the most advanced proposal.
Venezia are well-placed to sign Toni Fernandez. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Venezia's interest in Toni has been strong, and the newly promoted Serie A club appear increasingly confident of reaching an agreement.
Other possibilities remain open in Italy , England and Germany , but Barcelona are now waiting to see whether the Venezia option can be finalised before the transfer window closes.
Interestingly, rather than allowing the 18-year-old star to leave without protection, the Blaugrana want to retain an interest in his future.
This means alongside a transfer fee and a percentage of a future sale, the agreement is expected to include a right of first refusal and a buy-back option.
Toni has progressed through Barcelona's academy and, at just 18, has already gained valuable experience with Barça Atlètic.
Toni Fernandez is certain to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Last season, the attacking midfielder made 25 appearances for the reserve side, scoring five goals and providing three assists.
Although his preferred role is behind the striker, he can also operate from wider positions.
That versatility has been one of his biggest strengths during his development and is likely to be an important factor as clubs consider how he could fit into their squads.
His move away from Barcelona would therefore not be a reflection of a lack of potential. Rather, the issue is limited opportunity.
With a place in Flick's first-team squad unavailable and the Barça Atlètic route no longer an option, continuing his development elsewhere has become the most realistic solution.
