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Former La Masia product Jan Virgili is emerging as one of the most thrilling young wingers in La Liga with Mallorca, and the 20-year-old recently confessed that if Barcelona came knocking for his return, "it would be hard saying no."
Virgili moved to Mallorca from Barcelona last summer and immediately established himself as a regular starter under former boss Jagoba Arrasate and now Martín Demichelis in his debut top-flight campaign. The talented young winger is set to represent Spain's U-21 squad in the March window, and in a conversation with SPORT, he acknowledged he has unfinished business in Catalonia.
"If Deco called, it would be hard saying no," Virgili stated firmly when asked how he would respond if Barça's sporting director reached out. He also acknowledged that he still harbors hopes of pulling on the Blaugrana shirt someday.
"Yes, of course," Virgili said. "That was my dream and is my dream and I think it will always be my dream. I've been a Barça fan my whole life and ultimately, if the opportunity ever comes, that Barça's doors open for me again, in the first team, I'd be absolutely thrilled."
Why Did Jan Virgili Leave Barcelona?
Virgili spent a year in La Masia, claiming a historic treble with the U-19 squad that included La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Youth League trophies. His impressive displays earned him regular appearances with Barça Atlètic (Barcelona's B team) in the early months of 2025, but after suffering a painful relegation, everything shifted heading into the summer.
After training under Hansi Flick's guidance at the start of preseason, the German manager chose to leave Virgili out when Barcelona headed to Asia for their 2025–26 preseason tour. This led Virgili to seek a way out.
"When I began preseason with the first team, I had hopes of going on the [Asian] tour," Virgili admitted. "At least to try to make an impression or get the chance to play with the first team, but it wasn't to be.
"These things happen and in the end, Mallorca's offer came along and I took a chance on a new direction.
"Barça Atlètic got relegated and, even though being at Barça is a privilege, I felt that staying at [Barça B], especially in a lower division, meant Mallorca was an opportunity I couldn't afford to miss. I always say you have to pursue the path you want and if it takes you away from where you'd ideally be, you still have to follow it."
Just $4 million (€3.5 million) was enough for Mallorca to secure Virgili from Barcelona last summer. However, the Catalans retained 50% of the player's future sell-on rights, along with the ability to match any incoming offer for Virgili—a clause that could pave the way for his return to Camp Nou.
Barcelona Will Adress Winger Position This Summer
There is a shared desire between Barcelona and Marcus Rashford to prolong the winger's time in Catalonia beyond the initial one-year loan that brought him to the club last summer.
However, Manchester United are reportedly standing firm on their demand that Barcelona activate the $35 million (£26 million) purchase option on Rashford's loan. Newly re-elected Barça president Joan Laporta also recently hinted that such a scenario is unlikely to materialize this summer, adding further complexity to the situation.
Rashford's uncertain future could push Barcelona to explore other options. Much like Virgili, Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup has publicly declared he would leap at the opportunity to join Flick's squad.
Yet given Virgili's deep familiarity with Barça, the club's right to match any offer received for him, and the undeniable potential the 20-year-old carries, a return to Catalonia after just one year away seems far from out of the question.