Barcelona plot move for 16-year-old World Cup star
Tom Weber
- 14 Nov 2023 04:56 CST
- 3 min read
Barcelona are keen to sign Malian wonderkid Ibrahim Diarra, according to Spanish media.
The 16-year-old has been starring for his country at the U17 World Cup in Indonesia, impressing with his silky skills. A more central player by trade, Diarra has been used out on the wing by Mali and his performances as the young team's captain have attracted high-profile attention.
According to Jijantes, Barcelona are keen to bring the player in, though they are aware that he could only join after turning 18 in December 2024. Diarra is a product of the Africa Foot Academy, based in the Malian capital of Bamako.
At the tournament in Indonesia, Diarra and his team started well, easily brushing aside Uzbekistan with a 3-0 win - in which the 16-year-old notched an assist - before falling 1-0 to Spain. Ironically, Spain's goal was set up by Barcelona youngster Hector Fort and converted by fellow Blaugrana Juan Hernandez.
ℹ️ Informa @JijantesFC
🤝 El Barça tiene encarrilado el fichaje de Ibrahim Diarra (16), capitán de Malí en el Mundial sub-17. Firmará cuando cumpla los 18 (finales 2024).
💎 Interior o extremo de la Academie Africa Foot, ya entrenó con el Juvenil A del FCB.
✍🏻: @albert_roge pic.twitter.com/zNPck1fWEw— Jijantes FC (@JijantesFC) November 13, 2023
'Signing on track'
According to the above-mentioned report, the signing of Diarra is 'on track.' Indeed, the Blaugrana have had the youngster on their radar for a while.
Diarra reportedly already had a trial with the Catalan giants a few weeks ago and, according to Sport, "made a great impression." What likely sparked Barcelona's interest were the attacker's performances at the U17 AFCON in the spring.
The 16-year-old helped Mali come fourth at the competition in Algeria and he was voted the Player of the Tournament after recording three goals and an assist, though he missed a penalty in the shootout that saw Morocco prevail over his country in the semi-final.
A left-footed player, Diarra's most notable asset is his superb ability with the ball at his feet. Despite being a creative dribbling machine, the youngster is not afraid to also do the dirty work, winning five duels per game at the World Cup.
