Barcelona on alert as Europe’s elite chase new La Masia sensation | OneFootball

Barcelona have managed to generate wonderkid after wonderkid from La Masia in recent few years, and the latest star is Ebrima Tunkara. Aged only 16, he has already made his way into the first team fold at the Spotify Camp Nou, and his performances during pre-season have greatly impressed head coach Hansi Flick, as well as several of his teammates.

Tunkara has featured in three of Barcelona’s four pre-season friendlies so far, and he has chances to play in the Joan Gamper Trophy against Al-Ahly on Wednesday. His performances have earned him the Lamine Yamal treatment, although it is unclear at this stage whether he will earn a permanent spot in Flick’s squad for the 2026-27 campaign.

In the meantime, Tunkara’s performances for Barcelona over the last few weeks have attracted strong interest from a while host of Europe’s top clubs, with MD reporting that they have been working hard to convince the teenager and his family to join them. However, the young attacking midfielder is clear: he only wants to stay in Catalonia.

Tunkara’s new objective: secure permanent first team stay

Tunkara has absolutely no interest in leaving Barcelona at this stage. He is very happy with his situation, and he considers it a dream to have even been able to train and play with the first team during pre-season. His goal now is to secure a permanent promotion to the senior squad, which he can do my impressing for Barca Atletic in the fourth tier of Spanish football.

Barcelona is certainly the best place for Tunkara to be right now. Flick has never shied away from using La Masia players when required, so it would be no surprise if the 16-year-old were to make his competitive debut at some stage over the next 12 months, especially if he continues to improve.