La Masia has been constantly producing talents ready for the first team for Barcelona in recent seasons, but that is not their only success story.
There are many other players who come through the famed academy but leave Barça in search of regular game time, going on to succeed at another club.
Among them is Sergi Dominguez. The 21-year-old left the Catalan club last summer in a €1.2 million transfer and enjoyed an impressive first season at Dinamo Zagreb.
One year on, Dominguez has established himself as one of the Croatian league’s standout defenders, helping Dinamo win both the league and cup while earning a place in the division’s Team of the Season.
Returning to Barcelona remains his dream
Now, the former Barça defender has admitted that his long-term dream remains returning to the club.
Speaking to SPORT, Dominguez reflected on his departure, admitting that he never expected his career to take him to Croatia.
“I finished the season with Barcelona and the idea was to leave on loan or permanently, but I never thought I would end up in Croatia. I thought I would play in the Spanish second division,” he said.
The move ultimately came about after conversations with Albert Capellas, the former La Masia coordinator now working with Dinamo Zagreb.
Dominguez also revealed that Dani Olmo’s career path gave him confidence that leaving Barcelona did not necessarily mean closing the door forever.
“I spoke to him before coming here. Dani came here, then went to Leipzig and then returned to Barcelona. That’s why I thought about him because, in the end, my dream is to play at home again,” he said.
The defender then made his ambitions crystal clear.
“My ultimate goal is to come back home and play for Barcelona. Hopefully it can happen. It’s difficult, but I’ll try. I still have time,” Dominguez said.
Barcelona’s style still feels like home
Despite adapting to Croatian football, Dominguez believes Dinamo’s playing style has helped him continue developing in a familiar environment.
“Dinamo’s playing philosophy and Barcelona’s are very similar. Almost identical: 4-3-3, playing out from the back, high pressing.
“Obviously there are differences in the facilities and the budget, but Barcelona are, in my opinion, the best team in Europe,” he explained.
The centre-back also explained where he feels he has improved most over the past year.
“I’ve improved without the ball. I’ve gained experience in duels, in terms of aggression and positioning. It’s a tougher league in that respect,” the 21-year-old said.
Full of praise for his former teammates
Dominguez admitted he would love the opportunity to face Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League one day.
“It would be funny, above all, to play against Barcelona. I’d be facing friends of mine and all the members of the coaching staff that I know,” he exclaimed.
Among those friends are Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, two La Masia graduates who have become established stars in recent years.
“What Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal have done isn’t normal. It’s crazy. Cubarsi, at 19 years old, was one of the best players in Spain and at the World Cup.
“Lamine has also played an important role. Every time he gets the ball, it feels like something is going to happen,” Dominguez concluded.
The future looks bright for Dominguez
Barça included a sell-on clause when they sold Dominguez, which could help them sign the Spaniard in the future should they wish to do so.
The priority right now, though, is for the 21-year-old to continue developing in his career and carrying the momentum into his second season in Croatia.
Even if a return to Barcelona seems far-fetched at the moment, the best way to force the club into making that decision will be through performances.
The Blaugrana will benefit from keeping a close eye on the Spaniard’s development and, hopefully, he could return to the club like Olmo in the future.
Even if that is not possible, the sell-on clause could see Barca profit if someone else signs Dominguez in the upcoming transfer windows.
