Czech Republic Pursues Barcelona Prospect Oriyon Goren for National Team

The Czech Republic is actively attempting to recruit Oriyon Goren, a 17-year-old Israeli-born midfielder for Barcelona, to play for their national team. Pavel Nedvěd, the Czech Republic's General Manager of National Teams and a former star player, confirmed ongoing discussions with Goren, his family, and his agent, describing the player as an exceptional talent.

Goren, who recently appeared on Barcelona's bench for a match against Real Madrid, currently plays for the club's reserve team in the fourth division. He developed in Barcelona's famed La Masia academy after moving to Spain from Israel at age 13. His Czech roots stem from his maternal grandparents, who were of Czech Jewish descent and emigrated to Israel from Czechoslovakia before World War II due to Nazi threats.

Although Goren has represented Israel in youth international competitions, he remains eligible to play for the Czech Republic and potentially Spain. Nedvěd indicated that the Czech Football Association has been in contact with Goren multiple times, expressing their belief that he possesses the qualities to play for their senior national team, not just youth squads. He even drew a comparison between Goren and Barcelona's Pedri, highlighting his technical prowess and Barcelona-style play.

Nedvěd suggested that the Czech Republic has presented Goren and his family with an appealing offer, though he acknowledged that Goren's father is Israeli, making the decision more complex. The Czech efforts underscore the high regard in which Goren is held and the potential competition for his international allegiance as his career progresses towards Barcelona's senior team.