At nineteen years old, life can be pretty stressful. Not quite past the teenage years, probably struggling through university assignments or a job while trying to find time to be social whether that be with old mates or with new dates. Don’t forget trying to adjust living alone and being independent while simultaneously striving to keep your head on your shoulders. For nineteen year old footballer Júlia Bartel from Castellbisbal, Spain, life consists of having two of the most prestigious professional women’s football clubs in Europe vying for her ability. A product of La Masia (Barcelona’s youth academy), a FIFA U-20 World Cup Winner in 2022, and a top emerging talent in the world of women’s football (who is most likely moving to England), life can be pretty successful at nineteen.
Bartel has been a key part of Barcelona’s B team since 2019, scoring four goals as a midfielder during the most recent 2023/24 season. She was also called up to make four appearances for Barcelona’s senior team along with representing Spain internationally at the U-19 and U-20 levels. The current situation stands where Bartel is being “monitored” by several English clubs in the Barclays WSL, but most likely the best will want the best. This is where Chelsea FC swoops in. Recently crowned domestic Barclays WSL (Women’s Super League) champions after going neck and neck in a title race with Manchester City FC, Chelsea are reportedly preparing to sign Bartel for the 2024/25 season.
Barcelona Femeni have also been crowned champions of Spain’s domestic Liga F for the ninth time in their history, as this will come as no surprise. Bartel is not considered as a full-time first team player and was not credited on the squad list, but a winner nonetheless as Barcelona’s B team also conquered the second division of Liga F. And now a winner with an opportunity to spread her wings abroad. If true, and a transfer is completed over summer, this will ultimately add another Spaniard to a long list of an international player pool in the Barclays WSL. Laia Aleixandri, former defender for Barcelona in her youth and Ona Batlle, manufactured by La Masia as well, both served spells in England’s domestic realm. Batlle ultimately came back home to Catalonia as of last summer, while Aleixandri shines as a starter in Manchester. Bartel has an excellent opportunity to grow in foreign environment, while competing against the best English teams in the land. We know she will represent the Blaugrana blue, yellow and red wherever she goes.
