Former La Masia midfielder Sergi Altimira is on the verge of joining Sporting Lisbon from Real Betis after both clubs finally reached an agreement following lengthy negotiations.
It is said that the operation could be worth up to €22 million, with Sporting set to pay €18 million upfront plus a further €4 million in performance-related bonuses.
While the figures involved will primarily benefit Betis, SPORT reports that Barcelona are also in line to receive a small payment thanks to FIFA’s training compensation mechanism.
Barcelona to receive compensation
According to the outlet, the Catalan giants are expected to receive close to €400,000 from Altimira’s transfer to Sporting Lisbon due to the years he spent at La Masia during his development.
Although the amount is relatively modest compared to Barcelona’s bigger financial picture, it still represents easy income for a club that continues to monitor every available source of revenue.
Sergi Altimira is set to move to Sporting Lisbon. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
It must be remembered that Altimira first joined Barcelona’s academy in 2012 after arriving from local side Cardedeu and spent several important years developing within the club’s youth structure before eventually moving on in search of senior opportunities.
His departure from Barcelona came in 2019 when he joined CE Sabadell, beginning a journey that has now taken him to one of Portugal’s biggest clubs.
Betis midfielder rewarded for impressive rise
Altimira’s career has steadily progressed since leaving Barcelona.
After making his name away from La Masia, the midfielder earned a move to Real Betis, where he has continued developing into a dependable option in central midfield.
Altimira spent his formative years at La Masia. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
He was not always an automatic starter during the most recent campaign, but his performances were strong enough to attract interest from clubs across Europe.
It is believed that RB Leipzig were among the teams interested in signing him this summer, although Sporting Lisbon ultimately won the race and are now close to finalising the transfer.
Right now, there is another player at Real Betis who could benefit Barcelona.
The player in question is Ez Abde, for whom Barcelona still owns 20% of the future sale value. The Moroccan has a €60 million release clause and is said to be wanted by several top teams.
