Racing Santander manager Jose Alberto has stated that teenage left-back Jorge Salinas is fully committed to the club and 'doesn't want to leave' despite ongoing speculation linking him with Manchester United and Barcelona. The 19-year-old, who has a release clause of €16m (£13.7m), is a target for both clubs as they seek defensive reinforcements ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Salinas' rise and release clause
Salinas emerged from Racing's academy, making his first-team debut in 2024. Last season, he was instrumental in helping the club win the Segunda Division and secure promotion to La Liga for the first time since 2012. His performances have attracted attention from top European clubs, with United and Barcelona both credited with strong interest.
Barcelona are in the market for a left-back after Joao Cancelo returned to Al-Hilal following a loan spell. Meanwhile, United have been forced to consider alternatives to top target Lewis Hall, with Salinas emerging as a cheaper option due to his release clause.
Manager's firm stance
Speaking after Racing's pre-season friendly with Alaves, where Salinas started alongside Gustavo Puerta (linked with Roma), Alberto expressed frustration at the constant rumors. 'Their professionalism doesn't surprise me,' he said. 'What surprises me is that people are constantly talking about the departure of two of our players, when they have contracts and are our players.'
Alberto emphasized the duo's importance to his project, adding: 'They're very important to us. I don't want them to leave. And they show every day that they don't either. But we know how this world works and there are release clauses. If a team comes along and pays the clause, they cease to be our players.'
Sporting director echoes concerns
Racing's sporting director Chema Aragon echoed similar sentiments last week, admitting the club's powerlessness if a 'giant' makes a 'significant' offer. 'There's little you can do if a giant appears,' Aragon told reporters. 'We value the assets we have, we consider them important. For the club, at this time, there is no other option than to try to strengthen the team and not weaken it by losing stars.'
Aragon added: 'Hopefully he stays. It would be our dream. We're going to try everything we can to make it happen, just like we did in the winter with Gustavo Puerta. But it's also true that if significant offers come in, it will be more complicated.'
United's interest and Salinas' contract
United have been monitoring Salinas for some time, with his displays at the European Under-19 Championship, where Spain won, particularly impressing. His current contract with Racing runs until June 2029. Both clubs face a race against time before the transfer deadline, but Racing's hierarchy remains hopeful of retaining their starlet.
