At midnight last night, the first of the three year window for FC Barcelona to exercise its buy-back option on Alberto Botia had passed. According to news sources, the 22-year-old former cantera player will, until June 15 2012, cost FC Barcelona a further €700,000 to incorporate. As of now the club will have to pay €2.5 million for his services.

Spanish news agency ‘EFE’ meanwhile said, should the club fails to take up on the option within the three year timeframe, Sporting Gijon will only let the player leave for his full buyout clause of €20 million.

The centre-back, who joined the FC Barcelona youth system in 2003 at 14, cost Sporting €2 million. Under Manolo Preciado, Botia is a regular starter for the El Molinon side, playing 53 matches in the two years – the first on loan – he is with him.

Botia made his La Liga debut with FC Barcelona back in July 14 2009 at the Riazor, against Deportivo Coruna, coming on as a substitute for Gerard Pique, a player whose early career path is not unlike his.