Barcelona's pursuit of Racing Santander left-back Jorge Salinas has been thrown into serious doubt, with Manchester United emerging as heavyweight rivals for the highly rated 19-year-old — and, crucially, willing to do what the Catalans will not: pay his release clause in full.

Barça have been locked in negotiations with Racing for several weeks over a deal for Salinas, but talks have stalled over the structure of the transfer. According to reports from Catalan media, the club want to pay only €6 million and sweeten the package with La Masia prospects, while Racing are holding out for the full €16 million release clause in cash.

United ready to trigger release clause

That impasse has opened the door for Manchester United. Reports in England, cited by Spanish outlet Diario Sport, claim the Red Devils — whose manager Michael Carrick is a confirmed admirer of the youngster — view Salinas as their main alternative to first-choice left-back target Lewis Hall of Newcastle United.

Should United fail to land Hall, they are prepared to trigger Salinas' €16 million release clause and bring the teenager in to compete with Luke Shaw for the starting job at Old Trafford — a stance that leaves Barça, still trying to negotiate the fee down, in real danger of losing their target.

A breakout season in Spain

Salinas is fresh off a breakthrough 2025/26 campaign in which he racked up 33 appearances and chipped in with six assists as Racing secured promotion back to the top flight of Spanish football. Primarily a left-back, he is also more than capable of slotting into a central role at the heart of defence, and he recently helped Spain lift the Under-19 European Championship.

Regarded as one of the standout up-and-coming youngsters in Spain, Salinas has been linked with a number of leading La Liga clubs this summer — but it is now a Premier League giant who looks best placed to strike.

Not the end of the world for Barça?

Losing Salinas would not be a disaster for Barcelona, who view the defender as a long-term project in the same mould as recent signing Jesse Bisiwu rather than an immediate starter. Even so, the Catalan club are still hoping to reach an agreement with Racing before rival clubs — now led by United — swoop in and take their man.