Barcelona remain very interested in Australian teenager who has impressed at the World Cup

Barcelona remain very interested in Australian teenager who has impressed at the World Cup Ever since Deco became Barcelona’s sporting director, he has shown that youth development does not need to happen only through La Masia and can also be done by making smart signings ahead of the curve. The Catalan club have signed the likes of Hamza Abdelkarim, Patricio Pacifico and Ajay Tavares in recent times with a view to developing them into first-team players in the future. Now, according to SPORT , Barcelona remain very interested in Lucas Herrington, the 18-year-old Australian centre-back who has just strengthened his reputation at the World Cup. Barça have been monitoring Herrington closely for months and still want to try to sign him this summer, despite Colorado Rapids rejecting an earlier offer. Barcelona still keen on Lucas Herrington. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) The Catalan club even sent representatives to the United States in April to watch him in person and speak with his entourage about a possible move. That visit now looks even more justified. Herrington has used the World Cup to show that his talent is not only potential on paper. He can already compete under serious pressure. World Cup raised his profile Herrington started Australia’s decisive group match against Paraguay, helping his side secure a 0-0 draw and reach the knockout rounds. That performance convinced coach Tony Popovic to start him again in the round of 32 against Egypt. The teenager played the full match, including extra time, and even had the courage to take a penalty in the shootout. His effort hit the crossbar, leaving him with the pain of elimination, but that should not overshadow the bigger picture. Herrington impressed at the World Cup despite the penalty heartbreak. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) At 18, in a World Cup knockout match, Herrington showed personality. For Barcelona, that matters a lot. Young defenders need more than height and passing. They need temperament. Profile fits Deco’s search Herrington fits the type of centre-back Barça have been looking for: physically strong, tall and still comfortable enough with the ball to fit the club’s style. At 1.94 metres, he brings aerial power and size, areas where Barcelona have wanted to add more physical presence. However, that should not mask his ability to progress the ball, both through passing and ball-carrying, making him a perfect fit for Flick’s team. Herrington would not arrive as an immediate first-team starter. He would be a development signing with long-term upside. The important thing is that Barça’s interest is still alive. Colorado Rapids said no once, yet the Catalans have not walked away. After his World Cup, the operation may become harder. However, it is refreshing to see that the Catalan club were after the right profile, and it remains to be seen how the negotiations play out.