Barcelona plotting move for 20-year-old South African talent: Reports
Barcelona have entered the race to sign South African winger Relebohile Mofokeng, according to Soccerladuma via SPORT. The 20-year-old has caught the eye with his performances for Orlando Pirates and has been compared to Lamine Yamal.
The Catalans have turned their attention to the African football circuit of late and have already signed quite a few talented players. The LaLiga giants recently roped in David Oduro, Aziz Issah, Ibrahim Diarra, and Arouna Traore from the continent.
They have now identified another jewel, this time from South Africa. Mofokeng, who has been publicly compared to Yamal by the Orlando Pirates' president, is a fast and fluid left-winger.
The player was very impressive last season but has taken his game to a higher level this year. He is highly skillful and has already made an impact for the club this season, registering four goals and five assists.
His efforts have already secured him a call-up to the national team. Barcelona have been monitoring the player for months and recently sent representatives to assess him firsthand.
The Catalans are pleased with his efforts and are already planning to take him to Camp Nou. The LaLiga giants wish to incorporate the player in their reserves to help him acclimatize to his new environment.
If he turns out a success, he will eventually find his way into the senior team. If not, Barcelona could offload him as they have done with Mikayil Faye. A move could materialize for a nominal fee in January or next summer. However, the Catalans will face competition for his services.
When is Barcelona's next game?
Barcelona secured a thumping 5-1 win over Mallorca in the Balearic Islands on Tuesday, December 3, in LaLiga. The Catalans took the lead through Ferran Torres in the 12th minute, but the hosts equalized through Vedat Muriqi two minutes before the break.
However, Raphinha sent the visitors ahead in the 56th minute from the spot. The Brazilian scored his second of the night in the 74th minute before Frenkie de Jong made it 4-1 five minutes later.
Pau Victor sealed the win in the 84th minute, ending Barcelona's three-game winless run in LaLiga. The result helped Hansi Flick's team go four points clear at the top of the league table after 16 games.
However, second-placed Real Madrid have two games in hand. The Catalans next face Real Betis at the Benito Villamarin on Saturday, December 7, in LaLiga.