Román Vega: From Barcelona’s Reserve Team to a Star in Argentina

Barça Nears First Transfer Deal Román Vega: “It’s Crazy to be Living This Dream” Román Vega speaks to club media after being unveiled as a new player for Barça Atlètico. / FCB

Succeeding at Barça isn’t always within reach for everyone, no matter how talented they may be. But going through the Blaugrana ranks always serves as a springboard in any player’s career. One such case is Román Vega, a promising Argentine defender who has found success in his country after his stint with Barça Atlético.

Román Vega arrived at the Blaugrana reserves in the summer of 2022, endorsed by two former Barça players, Javier Mascherano and Gabriel Milito. Barça secured his loan deal with Argentinos Juniors with an option to buy. Despite being an international with the Argentine U-17 team, he failed to establish himself under Rafa Márquez. Despite his versatility – he can play as a central defender or left-back – the young Argentine talent barely featured in 17 matches for the Blaugrana reserves. Barça had the option to extend his loan for a second year, but decided against it. The team’s failure to secure promotion to the Hypermotion League didn’t help.

In the end, Román Vega returned to Argentinos Juniors to become one of the key players for the current leaders of the Argentine League. The center-back has played in ten out of thirteen league matches, contributed to their qualification in the Copa against Gimnasia y Tiro de Salta (2-1), and also started in their victorious debut in the Copa Sudamericana group stage against Nacional (2-3).

His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed by the Argentine Olympic coach, Javier Mascherano, one of those who recommended his signing to Barça. So much so that Román Vega is aiming for Paris 2024 due to Brighton’s refusal to loan Valentino Barco.

The Olympic event could further shape his future. Several European clubs are monitoring his progress, and this summer he could make his way back to European football. He would do so in style after his breakthrough in the Argentine tournament.