Rabat: AfricUpdate – News Desk
Barcelona are stepping up their scouting efforts in Africa, a region that has already produced several young prospects for the club. According to SPORT, the club plans to give “maximum attention to the continent,” with a strategy aimed at identifying and signing emerging talent before rival European teams move in.
The arrival of Joao Amaral as director of the scouting department has given the project fresh energy. Under his leadership, ‘Operation Africa’ is expected to operate at full pace. Mousa Kone, Barcelona’s scout in the region, has been praised for his “excellent work in identifying promising players.” Last season, the club brought four African teenagers into their youth academy: David Oduro, Aziz Issah, Ibrahim Diarra, and Hafiz Gariba, all aged 18. Several other players have also been tested at the Ciutat Esportiva in recent months.
With financial resources limited and first-team registrations a challenge, Barcelona’s strategy is to detect talent early. The club aims to complete signings before competition from England and France intensifies, as both countries have been active in scouting Africa. The approach offers lower transfer costs than buying fully developed players but carries risks. Signing young players means investing in potential rather than proven ability. These players must wait until they turn 18, the minimum age for non-EU signings, to fully join La Masia and complete their football education.
