The June 30 is a key date that will define the future of five of the gems of Barca’s famed academy, as it is the day their contracts with Barca will end. As of today, it is difficult to know what lies in the future of Jonathan dos Santos, Gai Assulin, Thiago Alcantara, Victor Vazquez and Marc Bartra.

It seems almost ironic that at a club which has based the majority of its success in its great youth academy, there are five players who have not yet renewed their contract. And these are not just any five players, but five of the most highly rated promises made in the La Masia and those, if nurtured carefully, could all be future stars at the Camp Nou in the not too distant future.

While the club led by Joan Laporta is negotiating with them, the main difficulty that exists is the inability of the club to give them minutes with the first team. This season all of the above players except Victor Vazquez had minutes with the first team at some point and would likely see their role increased next season, Guardiola though can not guarantee them any fixed place in the first team.

The reason, although entirely understandable, is not enough to convince few of the above players to renew their contracts, as they believe that by leaving Barca, they can improve both the sporting as well as the economical aspect of their careers.

That matter of minutes and prominence could be achieved if the reserves manage to get promoted to the Second Division, which would allow them to continue progressing, as they will be playing at a more higher level.

These are the cases one by one:

Jonathan dos Santos:

Jonathan dos Santos (19), the Mexican international midfielder has already left for the World Cup with the ‘tricolor’ without deciding his future at Barca. Jonathan has spent months negotiating his renewal with the club, but there is no agreement yet, although the contract offered by the club mostly convinces his representative, there are still a few minor aspects to be considered before the contract is signed.

Thiago Alcantara:

Hispano-Brazilian, Thiago Alcantara’s (19) continuity is the most advanced of the five players, the contract terms have all been agreed upon but it is yet to be tied down permanently. It is expected he will sign them very soon.

Although his father, Mazinho, suggested earlier this year that the club had promised him a place in the first team, the fact is that Thiago will continue training with the first team but will likely still be playing with the reserves next season and will only play with the first team when required.

Gai Assulin:

The young Israeli Gai Assulin (19) has not had much continuity with Luis Enrique’s Barca Atletic this season, as he was mostly used as a substitute for the majority of the season. Recent interest from Premier League clubs Chelsea and Arsenal could lead him to leave the club.

Guardiola has him in mind for the future, but believes that he is still young to take the definitive step to the first team. However, English clubs are keenly following his developments, and his agent Pini Zahavi, the same agent that made Giovani dos Santos leave Barca, could take him away from the Camp Nou.

Marc Bartra:

Marc Bartra (19) is another of the ‘pearls’ whose contract ends this June, and although his continuity at the club has been under negotiation for months now and eventhough it is assumed he will remain, there is still no agreement in regard to the duration of his contract and the allowances the young centre half would receive. Bartra wants to stay and will probably agree, but Real Madrid have been showing huge interest in him and a surprise may be in the offing.

Victor Vazquez:

The Catalan midfielders continuity is the most complicated of all, it seems almost certain that he will not remain with the reserves next season. His fate could be with another club in the First division, although a promotion of Barça Atletic could change the situation.