Atlético Madrid is making a serious push for Jorge Salinas, the 19-year-old Racing de Santander defender who has been firmly on Barcelona’s radar for weeks. The move sets up a direct tug-of-war between two of La Liga’s heavyweights over one of Spanish football’s most promising young defenders.
Salinas, a versatile left-back who can also operate as a centre-back, has emerged as a priority target after a breakout 2025-26 campaign. Barcelona reportedly has an agreement in principle to bring him to Camp Nou, but Atlético has not stepped away from the table.
The clock is ticking on a crucial release clause
Salinas’s release clause at Racing de Santander currently sits at approximately €8 million. After June 30, that figure doubles to €16 million.
Salinas’s current market valuation hovers around €5 million, making the pre-deadline release clause a relative bargain for a player of his trajectory. His contract with Racing runs through June 2029.
