Barcelona in contract talks with 15-year-old La Masia gem amid Manchester City interest | OneFootball

With FC Barcelona going through a difficult phase financially in recent years, they have turned to their famed La Masia academy for solutions regularly.

The likes of Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Pau Cubarsi, Fermin Lopez, Inaki Pena, and more recently Marc Casado have all become established first-team players for the Blaugrana.

More talents are knocking on the doors with La Masia continuing to churn out exciting young talents, making sure that Barcelona’s future is safe.

Contract talks underway with Baba Kourouma

One such player earmarked for a bright future at Barcelona is 15-year-old sensation Baba Kourouma.

The brother of former Barça midfielder Ilaix Moriba, Kourouma is held in high regard at the club and as such, Matteo Moretto reports that the Blaugrana have already begun negotiations over his first professional contract, which he can sign at 16.

A centre-back by trade, Baba Kourouma is capable of playing as a pivot or an interior midfielder as well and is showcasing great potential.

Despite being just 15 years old, the young gem was playing for the Cadete A team last season even though he should have been part of the Cadete B side – an age group lower.

This season, Baba Kourouma has earned a promotion to the Juvenil B (Under-18) side and is making big strides.

Manchester City interested

The teenage La Masia jewel’s talent and potential have not gone unnoticed as Premier League giants Manchester City have taken a liking to the Barcelona prodigy.

The English champions would have the idea of signing the youngster and loaning him out to one of their sister clubs to continue his development.

However, the report mentions that Baba Kourouma’s priority is to continue at Barcelona and with contract talks already underway, it might not be long before an agreement is reached – which he can sign once he turns 16 in February.