Barcelona close to finalising deal to sign Sochaux's Lucien Agoumé
The 16-year-old is already a starter for his club in France but has no professional contract
Bargains don't last for long in the transfer market and Barcelona know it. The Catalan side have put their foot on the accelerator in the last few weeks to tie down the servies of Lucien Agoumé in June.
The Sochaux midfielder, still just 16, has broke into the French side in recent weeks and has shown huge character. He is the youngest player in the club's history to play for the first team. A France youth international, he could also represent Cameroon at international level, he still has no professional deal. Barça will just have to pay his development rights.
Barça have been following him for almost a year. And the interest has led to a firm decision: to sign him. In recent weeks, talks have intensified with the player, who's also interested other clubs, like Inter. But Barça's the most exciting option for the teenager.
"Many clubs want Lucien Agoumé, but we will try to get him to stay with us. We will work hard to find a solution and get him to sign a pro deal with us," said Sochaux president Wing Sang Li recently.
Agoumé's current deal runs until 2020 but it's not a professional contract. The French club have made him an offer. If he accepts and signs, a deal would be much more difficult -- and expensive.
But Sochaux are aware it may not be mission impossible. Barça have the situation under control. Talks are advanced and if there are no late twists, he will move to Camp Nou in the summer.
