Barcelona, Spain – February 14, 2025
In the fiercely competitive world of football scouting, a single decision can shape the future of a player and an entire club. Such was the case in January 2015, when a seven-year-old prodigy from CF La Torreta, a small club in La Roca del Vallès, Barcelona, was already making waves across youth football circles in Catalonia.
Born in July 2007, the young talent had already captivated scouts and coaches, attracting interest from some of Spain’s most prestigious youth academies. Among those closely monitoring his development was Oscar Hernandez, then serving as the coordinator of FC Barcelona’s under-10 team. Convinced that he had discovered a rare gem, Hernandez carefully tracked the player’s progress, waiting for the right opportunity to secure his future at La Masia, Barcelona’s renowned youth academy.
A Defining Moment: The Threat of Espanyol’s Interest
However, in February 2015, Hernandez learned that CF La Torreta was close to finalizing a collaboration agreement with Espanyol, Barcelona’s city rivals. This agreement would have likely seen the young star move to Espanyol’s youth ranks, potentially altering the trajectory of his career.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Hernandez made a decisive move. He immediately sent an urgent email to Marc Serra, who was then overseeing La Masia, Barcelona’s esteemed youth development program. In his message, Hernandez emphasized the extraordinary talent of the young footballer, urging Serra to arrange a trial at Barcelona before Espanyol could secure his signature.
The Impact of the Email: Barcelona Acts Swiftly
Hernandez’s swift action and unwavering belief in the young talent proved to be a turning point. The email led to an accelerated trial process, giving the promising youngster the opportunity to showcase his abilities at Barcelona’s legendary academy.
The result? Barcelona successfully recruited the player, preventing Espanyol from securing one of the most gifted youngsters in Catalonia.
This strategic move, driven by the keen eye of Hernandez and the proactive approach of Barcelona’s scouting team, would later prove to be a defining moment in the career of a footballer who is now regarded as a future Ballon d’Or contender.