The morning sunlight filtered through the windows of the first-team training facility, casting a golden hue across the polished floor. The hum of voices, the shuffle of boots, and the distant thud of balls being juggled echoed through the halls. But none of that registered to Luca Herrera. His heartbeat was thunderous. His palms were slightly sweaty. Today felt different.
After training the previous day with the senior squad, he'd barely slept. Lamine Yamal had joked with him, Pedri gave him tips during the small-sided game, and even Hansi Flick had offered a short nod of approval after a crisp one-two pass that led to a goal. But now, he was back at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, summoned to the administrative offices, and he had no idea why.
A staff member guided him down a corridor to a sleek meeting room. Inside were three people: Hansi Flick, Deco—the club's sporting director—and one of the club's legal reps. His heart skipped a beat.
"Luca," Hansi said with a smile as the young midfielder entered, "sit down."
He took a deep breath and obeyed. He could feel it. Something big was coming.
Deco slid a slim folder across the table. "Inside, you'll find your new contract. We've discussed with the board, with Hansi, and with the staff at Barça B. We all agree—your growth, your performances, your mentality… it's beyond what we expected."
Luca blinked. "A new contract?"
"Similar terms to Lamine Yamal's first pro deal," Deco said calmly. "You'll be registered as a first-team player now. No more bouncing back to Barça B unless you need game time. Starting next week, you'll train daily with the senior squad."
Luca stared at the folder. It felt like a dream.
Hansi leaned forward. "Your technical skills, your vision, your ability to glide past defenders… it reminds me of a certain Brazilian legend. You're not ready to start matches yet, and we'll ease you in slowly, but you're one of us now. You earned this."
The coach's words filled him with warmth, but also hunger. He wanted to prove them right.
"Your wage," Deco added, "will start at €20,000 per week, with bonuses for appearances, goals, assists, and minutes. It's a three-year deal, with an option for a fourth year based on performance."
Luca looked up. "I… I don't know what to say."
"You'll sign it, first of all," Deco said with a light chuckle. "And then get back on the pitch."
Flick smiled. "And you can call your dad. He should be here too."
—
An hour later, his father sat beside him in the same room, eyes welling up as Luca signed the papers with a shaky hand.
"I told you," his dad whispered after the ink dried. "I told you you'd make it."
Luca smiled. "This is just the beginning."
—
Back on the Pitch
Later that afternoon, wearing the same training kit as players he'd only watched on TV a year ago, Luca walked onto the pitch with a different sense of confidence. He wasn't just a guest anymore. He was one of them.
The warm-up drills began, and he could feel it—every touch sharper, every pass smoother. Lamine Yamal jogged up next to him, grinning.
"So, you're officially one of us now, huh?"
"Guess so."
"Let's see if you can nutmeg Koundé today."
"Challenge accepted."
The banter, the camaraderie—it all felt natural now. He was building friendships. Earning respect.
—
Online Reactions (A Sneak Peek)
Later that night, news leaked of Luca Herrera's new contract. Social media exploded.
@BarcaYouthUpdate:🚨 | Official: 16-year-old Luca Herrera has signed a new 3-year contract with Barcelona and will now train with the first team under Hansi Flick! 💥🔥
@LaMasiaTalk:Remember the name: Luca Herrera. Another jewel rising from the streets of Barcelona to Camp Nou. The Ronaldinho-esque flair is real.
@TotalBarca:"Reminds me of Ronaldinho in the way he dances through defenders." — Hansi Flick on new first-teamer Luca Herrera.
—
Luca lay in bed that night staring at the ceiling, phone buzzing nonstop beside him. He barely touched it.
Instead, he smiled to himself and whispered, "We're really here, Mom."