Barcelona fear they will lose highly-rated 16-year-old Eric Garcia to Manchester City this summer, Goal understands.
Garcia, one of the most promising youngsters at La Masia, informed Barca on Thursday of his decision not to sign a new contract at the club.
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City are unable to sign academy players from other English clubs due to a transfer ban imposed by the Football Association, and Barca believe Garcia is one of the overseas players the Blues have targeted as a result.
Barca are also concerned that their young players are aware they can leave the club as teenagers, earn a significantly higher wage and progress as footballers in England, and then return to Camp Nou later in their careers, which was the case with Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique, and could happen again this summer if Hector Bellerin leaves Arsenal.
Garcia is regarded as one of Barca's best young players and his exit would represent another blow for the club's academy.
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A talented centre-back, Garcia came through Barca's FCB Escola football schools programme and was called up to the Benjamin 'B' team - the Under-9s - for the 2009-10 season.
He has since progressed through the ranks but does not intend to sign a new deal at Barca and could complete a move to City this summer.
Additional reporting by Ignasi Oliva
