It has been a difficult season for Pablo Torre so far, who left Racing Santander as a cult hero to join Barcelona in the summer. The youngster knew it would be difficult to find a place in the first team, but his troubles cannot be exaggerated enough.
The youngster refused to play for Barcelona Atletic for a while, but after not getting any game-time for the senior team, he succumbed to the club’s demands.
However, his fate is about to change again – for the better, this time. According to a report by AS, Torre is set to be promoted to the senior team starting January next year. He will receive jersey no. #16.
Over the last few weeks, Torre has received a few chances for the senior team already. In fact, the teenager started for the Catalans on the final matchday of the Champions League group stages against Viktoria Plzen, and even scored a goal.
Unfortunately, he was substituted immediately afterwards due to a cramp he picked up while scoring.
Torre is not the only youth player who will receive official promotion in January. Alejandro Balde and Inaki Pena, for example, are still registered to the reserve side and will get the call-up, too.
Gavi is the first in line to get that first-team number, though. This is his second season with the seniors, and he has already been awarded the Golden Boy award and Kopa Trophy for his exploits during this time.
Barcelona were unable to promote these players officially in the summer given the registration problems, but with Gerard Pique leaving – and giving up the rest of his salary -, the club should not have a ton of problem etching the youngsters to the senior roster.