Real Oviedo’s relegation to Segunda División was confirmed after Girona’s draw at Vallecas, marking their return to the second tier just one year after securing promotion for the first time since the 2000–01 season. With 29 points and three matches remaining, the Asturian side are the first LaLiga team to suffer relegation this campaign. Despite a promising start, they have occupied the bottom spot for most of the season and rarely threatened to escape the drop zone.
Although there are still three games left, clubs are already shaping their plans for the next season. In this context, FC Barcelona’s board has approached Oviedo, offering two of their most promising academy products—Xavi Espart and Toni Fernández—to gain minutes in the second division during the 2026/27 campaign. Both players have already debuted with the first team and, according to journalist Juan Velázquez, the idea is for them to be loaned out to Oviedo, given their limited opportunities for playing time at Barça.
{XIMAGE_1}
These moves could be linked to Barcelona’s interest in permanently acquiring Joaquín Delgado, one of the most impactful signings for the reserve team in the second half of the season. The Utrera native, owned by Oviedo, joined Barça Atlètic on loan in January, playing 17 matches and scoring 7 goals, though he missed out on the promotion playoffs to Primera RFEF. However, Barcelona intend to buy him outright, and while the loans of Xavi and Toni would be separate operations, they could help reduce the overall cost.
**Loan deal with a minimum 66% playing time clause**
Xavi Espart (18) has been the latest Masia graduate to break into the first team this year. He made his debut at St. James’ Park in the final minutes and later played the full 90 minutes against Sevilla, leaving a strong impression. With Koundé’s return, he has been included in matchday squads but without minutes, also alternating with the reserve side. Despite limited action, he has proven to be a player with great potential and one to watch.
Toni Fernández (17) is another gem who has regularly been called up to the first team but has rarely featured due to intense competition in attacking midfield and forward positions. As a result, he has spent the season with the reserve team in Segunda RFEF, a level that seems beneath his quality and potential: he has played 25 matches, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists. He debuted last year in the Copa del Rey against Barbastro, and this season he started against Girona in October but has not played with the first team since. The definitive step-up still eludes him, and a loan to a higher division appears the best option to fully unlock his abilities.
Barcelona’s board proposes that the loan deal could include a condition requiring both players to feature in at least 66% of the season’s minutes. If an agreement is reached, the players’ ties with Barcelona would be extended by one more year.
