Racing Santander are preparing to strengthen their position over Jorge Salinas after the 19-year-old attracted serious interest from Barcelona and several major European clubs this summer.
According to SPORT , Racing are planning to improve Salinas's contract and could increase his €16 million release clause.
The left-back is already tied to the club until 2029, but his current buyout figure has left Racing exposed after a summer in which multiple clubs explored a deal.
Notably, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid both made approaches .
In fact, it is said that Barça offered €5 million, while Atletico went as high as €14 million. Racing rejected both because neither proposal reached the full release clause.
The decision to keep Salinas has now prompted the club to reassess his contract.
Racing want to improve Jorge Salinas' contract and his release clause. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Barcelona maintained contact with Salinas during the closing stages of the transfer window, although the discussions never developed into an agreement.
The Catalan club also kept communication open through Jorge Mendes, who represents Salinas and already has strong connections with Barça through his work with players including Alejandro Balde .
Racing nevertheless refused to compromise on their valuation .
That stance has now paid off, at least in the short term. Salinas remains at the club and has the opportunity to continue developing without the disruption of a transfer.
But Racing also recognise that his current €16 million release clause could become increasingly difficult to defend if his progression continues.
Barcelona made a move for Jorge Salinas this summer. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
For now, Racing intend to reward Salinas with improved financial terms.
The teenager's performances have strengthened his position within the club, and an increased salary would likely be accompanied by a higher release clause.
That would give Racing greater protection while allowing them to reflect Salinas' growing importance to the team.
Simply put, while no club activated the €16 million clause this summer, another strong campaign in the Spanish top flight could make that figure look considerably less imposing.
At 19, Salinas has plenty of room for further development, and Racing want his contract to show that trajectory.
