Barcelona seal move for 18-year-old attacking wonderkid on four-year contract: Reports
According to a report by GOAL, Barcelona have completed the signing of Ibrahim Diarra from Africa Foot Academy. La Blaugrana reportedly paid €1.7 million to secure the services of the talented youngster, and he signed a four-year contract at the club.
The aforementioned report also states that Barca had initially reached an agreement with Diarra in January 2024. But they were unable to sign him due to FIFA's ban on signing non-European Union minors that are under the age of 18.
Diarrra was born on December 12, 2006, and he recently turned 18 this year. Thus, allowing him to lawfully sign a contract with Barcelona.
A brief overview of his profile indicates that Diarra is primarily a right-winger. But it can be said that he's versatile due to his ability to also feature as a left-winger and attacking midfielder.
During the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup tournament, we witnessed a glimpse of his brilliance in attack as Diarra was a menace in Mali's frontline. He scored five goals and registered four assists in seven appearances.
His effort was significant as Mali defeated Argentina 3-0 to emerge as the third-place winners. Diarra was also crowned the silver boot winner in the said competition.
The Malian forward is expected to join Barcelona Atlètic which is the reserve team of La Blaugrana. However, he's expected to follow in the footsteps of Lamine Yamal and become a regular in the first team.
Barcelona monitoring Marcus Thuram as Robert Lewandowski's potential long-term replacement - Reports
Barcelona are keeping tabs on Marcus Thuram who's viewed as Robert Lewandowski's potential long-term replacement, as per Mundo Deportivo (via GOAL). The Frenchman joined Inter Milan as a free agent from Borussia Monchengladbach in July 2023 and has been brilliant in attack.
Thuram has had a decent start to the campaign this season, scoring 12 goals and registering six assists in 20 games. His brilliance in the attack has not gone unnoticed as La Blaugrana are seeking to sign him as Lewandowski's successor.
As a striker, Thuram is energetic and his vision in attack is outstanding. His versatility to also feature on the left wing when needed could be beneficial to the club if signed.
Meanwhile, Lewandowski has also been outstanding in front of goal. The Polish legend has scored 23 goals and registered two assists in 23 games.
However, at the age of 36, he's gradually getting old, and might not be able to feature regularly. This could be why Barca are interested in signing a much younger striker.
Thuram is contracted at Inter Milan till June 2028, meaning his signing might not come cheap. La Blaugrana might also have to defeat the likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid in the race to secure Thuram's signature.