Barcelona held off interest from Man City, Juventus to renew 16-year-old La Masia gem in 2024 | OneFootball

Toni Fernandez became the second-youngest player ever to make his debut for FC Barcelona when he came on as a substitute in the Copa del Rey clash against UD Barbastro last Saturday.

At the age of 16 years and 173 days, the La Masia forward is behind only Lamine Yamal on the list of youngest players to have featured for the Catalan giants in the history of the club.

Toni is a player that manager Hansi Flick admires, with the German tactician even giving the teenage gem plenty of opportunities during the pre-season tour of the USA.

Now, the academy ace is part of the Barcelona squad on its way to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup later this week.

Man City, Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen wanted Toni Fernandez

Now, it has emerged that Toni Fernandez was attracting interest from some of Europe’s heavy-hitters during the summer.

Indeed, according to AS, Premier League champions Manchester City, Bundesliga title-holders Bayer Leverkusen, and Serie A bigwigs Juventus all wanted to sign the teenage prodigy from Barcelona in the summer of 2024.

A special talent. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Having become aware of the interest that the young talent was attracting, Barça director Deco quickly got to work and after speaking with his family and advisors, tied the player down to a new contract.

As such, Toni, who turned 16 in July 2024, signed his first professional contract with Barcelona, penning a three-year deal until 2027.

Flick’s praise for Toni Fernandez

Following the game against Barbastro when Toni made his official senior debut, Flick was quick to praise the 16-year-old.

“He is a great talent and he has no fear,” he told the club media.

“He came on and took a corner. It is great to see him back because he has been out injured for quite a while. He did well today.”

If Toni continues to progress in this manner, a new contract might not be far away.