SPORT Exclusive: Barcelona midfielder Sergi Samper will join Granada on loan

Sergi Samper will go on loan to Granada this season having only recently been promoted to the Barcelona first team.

Paco Jemez has been key in recent days to convince the 20-year-old to join Granada and the opportunity for substantial game time this season will be vital in his continued development, with the deal expected to be finalised in the coming hours.

Samper achieved his dream of joining the first team after finally being rewarded by Luis Enrique to make his last step to the highest level at the Catalan club - having spent 15 years in the youth system - but given the 'overbooking' in Barça's midfield it was always difficult for him to get regular football, this season at least, at the Camp Nou.

For his part, Luis Enrique has always been clear with Samper and told him that the best solution for him is to go out on loan, play and learn new experiences with a new team.

It appears that Samper is taking the right decision and leaving Barça for a team coached by a person who wants him to be there and sees the youngster as an important part of his plans this season.

Leaving Barça has not been an easy decision after representing the Spanish champions for so many years, but circumstances have forced this move upon Samper sooner than expected.