Barcelona has chosen to renew the deal of Adrian Simon Gill, the 19-year-old American midfielder who’s spent much of the past few seasons fighting through injuries. The extension keeps him at the club until June 30, 2026, a sign that Barça still trusts his potential. He hasn’t yet managed to show everything he can do, but the feeling is that he could become a key piece for Barça Atlètic and maybe, down the road, for the United States national team.
Barcelona’s faith despite the setbacks
Gill signed the renewal alongside youth director José Ramon Alexanco and is now getting ready to link up with Juliano Belletti’s Barça Atlètic once he recovers from a problem in his right knee. It’s hardly the first time the youngster has been stopped by injuries. Back in 2023 he tore the ACL in that same knee, an injury that kept him out for nearly a year.
Since then, a series of physical issues have cut into his playing time. Last season he was able to appear in just three official games. Even so, Barcelona still sees enough talent to give him another shot.
The weight of La Masia’s development
Adrian arrived in 2018 after being spotted at Cornellà, and since then he’s worked his way through every stage of the Barça academy. At La Masia he was considered one of the most promising players of his age group, thanks mainly to his versatility. He’s comfortable as a central midfielder, but he also has the qualities to fill in at right back — a trait that’s become more and more valuable in modern soccer. The injuries slowed him down, no doubt, but his foundation and his reading of the game are still there.
Gill’s progress is also closely watched by the USMNT. He’s already played for the U.S. youth teams and is still viewed as a player who could grow into a bigger role in European soccer. If he manages to put the physical problems behind him and get consistent minutes with Barça Atlètic, he’ll have every chance of breaking into the senior national team’s radar.