Barcelona transfer blow: Costa chooses Sevilla

Barcelona transfer ambitions suffered a late setback on Monday as teenage striker Alex Costa rejected a switch to Camp Nou and pressed ahead with his move to Sevilla.

Barcelona transfer pursuit stalls

The Catalan giants contacted Ponferradina in the final hours of the window, hoping to divert the 19-year-old after weeks of quiet scouting. Club sources believed Costa’s mobility and eye for goal could make him the next home-grown success story alongside Lamine Yamal. A pathway through Barça Atlètic into Xavi’s first team was mapped out, but time proved the enemy.

Why Costa picked Sevilla

Sevilla’s pitch was simple: minutes now, not promises later. With Rafa Mir expected to depart and Youssef En-Nesyri attracting Premier League interest, sporting director Víctor Orta guaranteed Costa regular involvement between the Copa del Rey and Europa League. The Andalusians also offered a five-year contract loaded with appearance bonuses, something Barcelona, constrained by La Liga’s salary limits, could not match.

Ponferradina’s stance

The Segunda Federación outfit were delighted to spark a mini-auction, yet Barcelona’s proposal arrived too late to reshape negotiations already in the final stages with Sevilla. A €4 million fee plus add-ons was agreed on Sunday night; paperwork should be finalised once the striker completes his medical at Ciudad Deportiva José Ramón Cisneros.

What next for Barça?

Missing out on Costa forces the champions back to the drawing board. Academy starlet Pau Víctor may receive an accelerated promotion, while free-agent options remain under discussion if further exits occur.

Opinion

Costa’s decision underlines a growing trend: young talents value immediate game time over badge prestige. For Barcelona, the lesson is clear—moving quickly matters as much as the name on the shirt.