Jesse Bisiwu’s first words after Barcelona transfer: ‘I’m going to do everything Flick wants me to’ | OneFootball

Barcelona have made three additions to their squad so far this summer, and all three have been attackers.

The club signed Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi from Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund, respectively, and also snapped up Jesse Bisiwu from Club Brugge.

Unlike the other two, the teenager seems to be a developmental bet who could be in and around the first-team scene while also playing with Barça Atletic.

The former Club Brugge man has wasted no time settling into life at Barcelona, with the new signing joining first-team training in England less than 24 hours after completing his move to the Catalan club.

The Belgian winger travelled to St George’s Park immediately after finalising his transfer and took part in his first training session under Hansi Flick on Saturday, where he also spoke about his first impressions and ambitions.

Bisiwu already working under Flick

Bisiwu completed his medical and signed his Barcelona contract on Friday before travelling to England to link up with the squad.

The youngster trained alongside the first team for the first time and revealed that Flick had already spoken to him about what he expects.

“I’m going to do everything he wants me to do,” Bisiwu said.

“Whenever he needs me, I’ll work hard and be there.”

Rather than focusing on immediate first-team opportunities, the winger stressed that his priority is simply to keep improving.

“For me, it’s very simple. It’s all about working hard and being wherever the coach needs me.”

Talking about the welcome he has received in the squad, Bisiwu added: “The feeling is really good. They’ve welcomed me incredibly well. It feels like one big family, and both the players and the coaches have given me a fantastic welcome.”

Barcelona’s faith in youth convinced him

Although Bisiwu is expected to be registered with Barça Atletic, the plan is for him to train regularly with Flick’s senior squad.

The Belgian admitted Barcelona’s reputation for developing young players played a major role in his decision to join.

“Everyone knows Barcelona trust young players,” Bisiwu said.

“I’m here to be the next one to work hard for Barça and give everything.”

He also praised the welcome he has received since arriving.

“The feeling is very good. They’ve welcomed me really well. It’s like one big family, and both the players and the coaches have given me a great welcome.”

Neymar, Raphinha and Lamine inspire the new signing

Bisiwu also revealed the players who have shaped his game.

“Neymar has been my favourite player since I was a kid,” he explained.

“I love the way he plays and how much he enjoys having the ball. That’s why I started playing football.”

He described himself as a winger who enjoys taking on defenders in one-on-one situations before naming Raphinha and Lamine Yamal among the current Barcelona players he admires.

“Raphinha is a very, very good player and someone I look up to,” Bisiwu said.

“Lamine is a very special player. We all know his qualities,” he added.

Bisiwu joins Lamine as yet another player in the Barcelona team who looks up to Neymar Junior as his reference in the sport.

Although the plan right now is for the teenager to adapt and be in the scheme of first-team football, his progress is in his own hands.

Flick has repeatedly shown that age is never a barrier to opportunity, and all Bisiwu needs to do is convince his manager.

It is not often that Barça shell out this kind of money on a developmental bet, and it is clear that they value Bisiwu highly.

He could get a chance to play in the upcoming pre-season games, and it remains to be seen whether he can grab the opportunity with both hands and accelerate his ascent within Barça.