A potential permanent move for Uruguayan left-back Patricio Pacifico to Barcelona this summer is now uncertain following a severe knee injury sustained while playing for Barca Atletic on Sunday.
Pacifico, 20, joined the club on loan from Defensor Sporting in January. The agreement included a buy option for 80% of his rights for €2.8 million this summer. Additionally, a clause stipulated the obligatory purchase of 50% of his rights if he appeared in 10 matches for Barca Atletic. He was on track to reach nine appearances by the season’s end, with the possibility of meeting this target if Barca Atletic qualified for the playoffs.
Pacifico Diagnosed with ACL Injury
The worst fears have been realized for Pacifico, who left the pitch in tears during the closing stages of a 1-1 draw against Olot. Reports indicate he has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for eight to nine months. Pacifico is scheduled to undergo surgery in Barcelona in the coming days.
Pacifico’s Future Now in Doubt
The primary concern is that this injury may impede his permanent transfer to Barcelona. Reports from just last week indicated that Barcelona had decided to activate their buy option for Pacifico, irrespective of whether he met the 10-game objective. However, Catalan media now suggest the club cannot confirm their plans for him, leaving his future uncertain.
Barca Atletic Outside Play-off Places
The 1-1 draw with Olot has not improved Barcelona’s playoff aspirations for promotion to the third tier. They currently sit 6th in Segunda RFEF Group 3, level on points with Reus but behind on head-to-head records. Juliano Belletti’s squad has two remaining matches against Atletic Lleida (15th) and Torrent CF (17th), but their playoff fate is no longer entirely in their own hands.
