Barcelona’s legendary youth academy, La Masia, could see two of its prospects depart this window. While Dani Rodríguez is being linked with a strategic loan to Croatia, Adrian Gill appears destined for a return to the United States under a former Barça manager.
The “Dani Olmo” Route for Dani Rodríguez
Barcelona are reportedly in advanced talks to loan 20-year-old attacking midfielder Dani Rodríguez to Dinamo Zagreb. According to Sport, Joan Laporta’s board views the Croatian giants as the ideal destination for the youngster to gain first-team experience.
The move draws immediate comparisons to Dani Olmo, who famously left Barcelona for Zagreb as a teenager before becoming a star at RB Leipzig and eventually returning to the Camp Nou as a world-class international. Although Hansi Flick has included Rodríguez in several matchday squads this season including the recent Champions League clash against Slavia Prague the player has yet to see consistent minutes. Dinamo Zagreb’s involvement in the Europa League is seen as a crucial factor in convincing the player to make the move.
🔴Noticia SPORT
🔜 Dani Rodriguez, en conversaciones avanzadas con el Dinamo de Zagreb
✍️@monfortcarlos @scapde_45 https://t.co/RiWLHUZn0f
— Diario SPORT (@sport) January 22, 2026
Adrian Gill Heading to Atlanta United
Meanwhile, American-born midfielder Adrian Gill is set to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract. Mundo Deportivo reports that Gill has reached an agreement to join Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The move will see Gill reunite with former Barcelona boss Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino. Despite being a key part of Barça’s 2025 UEFA Youth League winning squad, Gill’s progress was hampered by a serious injury, leading to a recent loan spell at Cornellà. A versatile player capable of operating in midfield or at right-back, Gill is expected to sign with the MLS side as a free agent after June 30th.
💥 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀 𝐌𝐃
🪝 El Tata Martino también pesca en la cantera del Barça
✍️ @martinezferran https://t.co/N6Gry4plqh
— Mundo Deportivo (@mundodeportivo) January 22, 2026
La Liga: Protecting the Lead
On the pitch, Hansi Flick’s men are preparing for a vital Matchday 21 fixture against Real Oviedo this Sunday.
Barcelona currently sit at the top of La Liga with 49 points, holding a narrow one-point lead over rivals Real Madrid. Facing bottom-of-the-table Oviedo at the Camp Nou, the Blaugrana cannot afford a slip-up if they wish to maintain their title charge in what is becoming one of the tightest races in years.
