Barça secures the new Salma Paralluelo

BarcelonaThe sporting management of FC Barcelona Women, led by Marc Vivés, continues to strengthen the team for the long term. After adding players like Carla Julià last summer – who has already earned a place in the first team – Óscar Belis's reserve team has been reinforced this winter transfer window with the signing of Carolina Ferrera. Furthermore, Liv Pennock – who is being compared to Salma Paralluelo in the Netherlands for her speed – will also arrive this summer, as reported by CatRàdio and confirmed by ARA. Two very young players – 15 and 17 years old respectively – who arrive in Barcelona with the hope of earning a place in the first team. "With all the young players joining, the intention is that they can have a place with us in the long term. The more settled she is, the easier it will be to see her at the top," said Pere Romeu about Ferrera.

The midfielder arrives from Tenerife with the aim of "continuing to progress and learn." Although her preferred position is attacking midfielder, she can also adapt to the central midfield role. The Barça coach highlighted her talent and skills. Those close to the player say she has fulfilled a dream. "Ferrera stands out for her exceptional vision and great understanding of the game. She has a spectacular shot [as seen in her debut in the Copa Catalunya semifinals at the Europa Stadium, where she scored an Olympic goal] and a physique that allows her to cover a lot of ground and reach the opposing penalty area from deep," sources close to her point out.

Those who have worked with Ferrera also highlight his humility, despite achieving great milestones – such as playing in the Under-17 World Cup – at such a young age. His maturity and work ethic have now led him to sign for Barça. With Óscar Belis's team – currently leading the Primera Federación – he made his official league debut last weekend in Vitoria. Ferrera played twenty minutes in the 2-1 victory away to Alavés, who until then had been top of the table.

Liv Pennock, a new athlete

The other signing – which has not yet been made official – is that of Liv Pennock. The Dutch player plays as a right winger and will join the Barcelona B team this summer from Twente, where she already made her debut at the top level. "I think it's good for young players to develop first in a first team in the Netherlands, but if they believe it's the right step for Pennock, it's their decision," said René Roord, Twente's coach, on ESPN.

The coach also spoke about managing a player who will leave in June: "Ideally, you don't want to develop players for another club, but the most important thing is that she's happy. She can be important for Twente." Roord also confirmed that Barça will pay a transfer fee for Pennock, although he didn't want to go into more detail. Liv Pennock herself also spoke, confirming the contact with the Catalan club and not denying the signing. "It's special to have the interest of a club like Barça, and it would be a dream to play there," the Dutchwoman told ESPN. Pennock—who is compared to Salma Paralluelo because both have combined football with athletics—also stands out for her speed. "She's very fast and knows how to use these qualities to beat opponents. She can also score goals and assist, although sometimes she rushes and shoots when a pass would be the better option," describes Amber van Lieshout-Boonman, a Dutch journalist. Vrouwenvoetbal Nieuws.