FC Barcelona made several new signings to strengthen the reserve team, Barça Atletic, during the January transfer window.
One of the players to arrive was young defender Patricio Pacifico, signed on loan from Uruguayan outfit Defensor Sporting, with a clause to make his signing permanent.
Barcelona will retain Pacifico permanently
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have no doubts about Pacífico and will keep him permanently beyond this season.
The left-back, who can also play as a left-sided centre-back, arrived in the winter while recovering from physical issues.
Once fit, he was initially used as a substitute, but made his first start against Atletico Baleares and has since been a regular in Juliano Belletti’s line-ups.
Pacifico arrived on loan, with a purchase clause that becomes mandatory if he plays at least 45 minutes in ten matches. So far, he has played six.
Patricio Pacifico has done well for Barça Atletic. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)
With three games remaining in the league, he would reach nine if Barça Atletic do not finish in the playoff spots. At the moment, they are one point behind Reus, who currently hold that position.
If Barça Atletic finish in the playoff positions, they would play at least two more matches, meaning the purchase clause would automatically be triggered, provided Pacifico features in them.
However, even if the team fails to secure a top-five finish, Barcelona’s intention is still to sign Pacifico permanently. The terms were already agreed when the loan deal was arranged.
Barcelona happy with Pacifico
The Blaugrana’s first impressions of Pacifico have been very positive and they are very satisfied with his performances since his arrival.
The defender has fully adapted to life in Catalonia and integrated well into the squad, both on and off the pitch.
On the field, Belletti has asked him to be a leader, and he is delivering. The coach has already used him in three different positions: left-back, right-sided centre-back, and left-sided centre-back. He also believes the youngster could even be deployed in midfield if needed.
Given everything, he will be signed permanently by Barcelona at the end of the season.
