Barcelona keeping track of breakout La Liga star who they moved for last summer

Portuguese youngster Dario Essugo has been one of the breakout stars of the young La Liga season, joining Las Palmas on loan from Sporting CP this summer. The 19-year-old has attracted the attention of a number of big clubs, but it appears he was already on Barcelona's radar.

According to ED, Essugo was the subject of talks between Barcelona and his parent club over a loan deal via Sport, but the move fell through as the Blaugrana were keen to include a purchase option. That was a common thread for the Portuguese giants, and they decided to send him to Las Palmas instead, where the teenager has excelled in a struggling side.

The same report goes on to say that Barcelona could move for him again next summer, although the need to move for a midfielder has diminished following the progress of Marc Casado. Real Madrid have also sent scouts to monitor Essugo's progress. Sporting has him under contract until 2027, with a buyout clause of sixty million euros.

Las Palmas will hope to keep Essugo on task as they continue to fight their way out of the relegation battle. Sporting CP will certainly be wondering whether his release clause could coincide with his value on the market this summer if he continues to impress.