Barcelona to continue monitoring former La Masia starlet as he makes comeback from injury

Barcelona to continue monitoring former La Masia starlet as he makes comeback from injury After many months marked by the frustration of injuries, former FC Barcelona starlet Dani Rodriguez, currently at Dinamo Zagreb has made his comeback, reports SPORT . The talented attacker, who finished last season carrying an injury with the Catalans before suffering an untimely relapse, can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. After a lengthy rehabilitation programme to overcome his muscular problems and return without risking another setback, the 21-year-old starlet was finally able to pull on his boots for a friendly for the Croatian club on Wednesday. It marked the end of a difficult physical period that had prevented him from showing his true level. A carefully planned move to Zagreb Rodriguez’s move to Dinamo Zagreb was the result of a strong interest that had been developed gradually. The Croatian side had shown strong interest in the winger during the January transfer window and pushed hard to sign him. Dani Rodriguez played his first game for Dinamo this week. (Photo courtesy: Dinamo Zagreb official website) Barcelona initially preferred to keep him, while the player himself chose to remain for another season with the aim of earning a place in Hansi Flick’s plans, having made his first-team debut towards the end of the previous campaign. However, injuries disrupted that progression. Dinamo returned for him in the summer and Rodriguez decided to make the move. Although the club were eliminated in the Champions League qualifying rounds, the Europa League offers an excellent platform in a league that continues to grow. In Zagreb, he has also been reunited with Sergi Dominguez, a former La Masia teammate who impressed last season and was one of the team’s standout players. Barcelona retain an element of control The deal brought around €1.5 million into Barcelona’s coffers for a player whose contract was due to run until 2027. However, the Catalan club have not lost sight of him. Barcelona retained a percentage of any future sale as well as a buy-back option. The sporting department and Flick’s coaching staff rated Dani highly as a left-footed winger with pace, skill and an eye for goal. Rodriguez was hampered by injuries in his last season at Barça. (Picture courtesy: X/@FCBarcelonaB) The Blaugrana will therefore monitor his performances closely this season, convinced that he can fulfil his potential if his fitness allows him to do so. Having made his maiden appearance in the friendly against Segesta and scored on his official debut, Rodriguez has his sights set on the weekend of 10 and 11 October, after the international break. The former La Masia attacker hopes to make his first competitive appearance for Dinamo Zagreb then and gradually become a regular in the team, even as Barcelona keep a close eye on his development.