Barcelona dealt blow as rival European club seal deal for teenage star - Reports
Barcelona have been dealt a blow as European giants AFC Ajax seem to have sealed a deal for KAA Gent youngster Jorthy Mokio. The Belgian was reported to be joining the Catalan giants on a free transfer about a month ago, but the Eredivisie side have reportedly usurped the deal.
A center-back by nature, Mokio already stands at 1.82 metres at just 16 years of age. Scouts have outlined his tough tackling, blistering pace, passing vision and composed leadership as some of his best attributes.
He made the jump to Gent's main team right after turning 16 in February 2024. He appeared four times in his side's Europa Conference League Play-off Group in the Jupiler Pro League, with two of them being starts.
Mokio has also been a constant presence in Belgium's youth sides, and has even captained the team on multiple occasions. He has made five appearances for the Under-15s (two goals), three for the Under-16s and four for the Under-17s so far, leading his side in six of the 12 games.
Mokio's contract is expiring in a month, which will make him eligible to move on a free transfer. While Barca were considered the unchallenged favourites to sign him a few weeks ago, the player seems to have chosen to move to the Netherlands instead.
According to Diario SPORT, the Blaugrana were continually in contact with Mokio's representatives over the past few weeks. The youngster was also believed to be prioritizing a move to Barcelona over any other club.
However, an agreement on financial terms could not be reached, allowing Ajax to secure his signature instead.
"These rumours are always good" - 20-year-old Barcelona transfer target appreciates their interest, but reaffirms commitment to his current club
Bundesliga side Werder Bremen's 20-year-old goalkeeping prodigy Mio Backhaus has commented on Spanish giants Barcelona's interest in him. While he mentioned that he appreciated their interest, he reiterated his decision to continue at Werder Bremen for the next season.
The German shotstopper spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Eredivisie side Volendam. While his side finished 17th, conceding a league-worst 88 goals and getting relegated, he was praised for somehow managing to keep three clean sheets. He also made a league-best 176 saves in 33 appearances, averaging over five saves per game and being named the league's goalkeeper of the season.
His performances caught the eye of Barca's administration, who have showcased an interest in his services. However, in a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, he downplayed the rumours, saying (via Barca Universal):
"I have received an incredible number of WhatsApp and Instagram messages, to be honest, these rumours are always good, however, my interest is focused exclusively on Werder Bremen."
With Barcelona set to miss out on both Backhaus and Jorthy Mokio, they will have to look elsewhere to bring in young talents and improve their youth ranks.