18-year-old Belgian winger could join Barcelona during England preseason camp | OneFootball

Barcelona have already agreed the signing of Jesse Bisiwu, but the 18-year-old winger may have to join Hansi Flick’s squad after the club’s pre-season camp in England has already begun.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the deal with Club Brugge is complete at around €8.5 million, with the Belgian club also retaining 20 per cent of any future sale.

The remaining issue is simply the final paperwork, and Barcelona now accept that Bisiwu may not be ready to travel with the squad when they leave for St George’s Park on Monday.

Even if he arrives after the camp has started, the plan is for Bisiwu to join Flick’s group in England as soon as everything is official.

That could still leave him in contention to make his unofficial Barcelona debut against Birmingham City on July 31.

The youngster should also have other opportunities to impress during pre-season, including the behind-closed-doors friendly against Preston North End and the later matches against Udinese, Nottingham Forest and Al Ahly.

For Bisiwu, those games could be important. Barcelona are investing heavily in his potential, but Flick will still want to see how quickly he adapts to the level and demands of the first team.

Barcelona will keep his development flexible

Despite the €8.5 million fee, Barca are not planning a major presentation for Bisiwu.

He is expected to be registered with the reserve team while spending significant time in the first-team training environment. That structure gives Flick the freedom to use him when he is ready without placing unnecessary pressure on an 18-year-old.

It is a sensible approach.

Bisiwu arrives with clear talent, but the objective should be development rather than immediate expectations. The England camp will give him a valuable first taste of Flick’s methods and the chance to train alongside senior players.