La Masia is resisting the siege from the Premier League

As happens every summer, the Premier League clubs have their sights on the gems that FC Barcelona have at La Masia.

Those responsible of youth football, Jordi Roura, Aureli Altimira and Pep Segura, have to work their magic to retain all their talents faced by the spectacular offers that some young Barça players receive.

This year, all the focus was placed on the players who were ending the Cadet age group (under-16) and were joining the Juvenile category.

That was the case for Sergio Gomez, Jandro Orellana, Abel Ruiz, Miranda and the goalkeeper Rojas.

They all had offers to move to England but finally decided to stay at the club.

Gomez has not yet renewed his deal but terms are agreed and the paperwork just needs to be signed.

The same applies to Orellana, with some loose ends to tie up.

Barça therefore assure themselves of the services of all their main prospects for one more year, as they consolidate their youth teams after a difficult year after the FIFA sanction.

The teams have begun their pre-season, with a stage in Prades to be followed by tournaments around the world.

For example the Infantile B team (under-13 and under-14) coached by Sergi Mila has travelled on Monday to Tokyo.

Another piece of relevant good news is that the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union will lead to English clubs only being able to sign EU players from the age of 18.

Therefore, the likes of Pablo Moreno, Xavi Simons, Marc Pelaz, Alex Rico and Eric Garcia to state some names, will soon not be receiving tempting offers and Barça would be able to enjoy their play for many years.

La Masia has been, and should be, a source of resources for the first team. 

The coaches of the club's formative football department are working hard to achieve this. 

Sergi Samper is the first player from FCB Escola (youth school) to have a first team squad inscription, and Cales Aleña, who participated in pre-season with Luis Enrique's men, are the references for the generations that are coming through.