Alex Collado is set to complete a permanent transfer away from Barcelona, but whilst the club will not receive a fee for the player, they have agreed to insert a sell-on clause in the deal.
The 24-year-old was excellent as he progressed through the La Masia academy from a young age, but could not carry his form over to the first team, and will now leave for good after a number of loan spells.
The Spanish midfielder spent last season on loan at Elche, where he was limited in appearances, and is now ready to move to Real Betis.
A report from Mundo Deportivo has confirmed that Collado has agreed to end his deal a year early and forego the remainder of his wages, and will join Betis on a long-term contract.
Although Barcelona will not receive a fee for him now, they will be entitled to 30% of any future sale, so they will be hoping that he can find his form at the Benito Vilamarin to generate a future pay-off.
How did Collado perform last season?
Collado appeared as both a right-winger and a central midfielder for Elche as they suffered relegation, and he struggled with injury throughout the campaign.
Although talented, he is yet to find consistency at the top level, and he will hope that a fresh start at Betis can help him find some form.
Collado ranks highly for his dribbling ability as a midfielder and can bring a lot of creativity to the team, but game-time at Barcelona looked highly unlikely next season.
With Xavi’s side well-stocked in attacking midfield options, Collado will have struggled for minutes should he have stayed, and given Barcelona’s financial situation, a permanent exit was a better option than another loan spell.
Collado has been with Barcelona since 2009, when he joined the academy at the age of 10 from Espanyol, and although the club will be losing a La Masia product, his move to Betis was the best outcome for all parties.