Barcelona’s 15-year-old La Masia jewel tipped for a bright future, new contract imminent | OneFootball

Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy continues to produce top-tier talent, with players like Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Alejandro Balde, Fermin Lopez, Marc Casado, and Marc Bernal establishing themselves in the first team in recent times.

The likes of Guille Fernandez, Toni Fernandez, and Andres Cuenca are knocking on the doors and more exciting talents are coming through the youth ranks.

Bright future awaits Baba Kourouma

One such name currently making waves is Baba Kourouma. As reported by AS, the 15-year-old versatile central defender is highly regarded within Barcelona, and his progression suggests he could one day make the leap to the first team.

The teenager, brother of former Barça star Ilaix Moriba, is expected to sign a new contract soon.

Kourouma joined Barcelona while his older brother was making his breakthrough under Ronald Koeman. And, he is set to sign his first professional contract with the club upon turning 16 on February 23.

Barcelona’s coaching staff firmly believe Kourouma is a gem in the making. He has benefited from working with top youth coaches such as Arnau Blanco, now part of Hansi Flick’s staff, and Pol Planas, who is highly regarded within the club.

What sets Kourouma apart is his versatility. While his natural position is left-sided centre-back, he is also capable of playing as a left-back or as a midfielder, either as a pivot or an interior, and on the flank.

Although he is physically strong, he is far from a purely physical player, possessing solid technical ability. Barcelona coaches believe his experience in midfield will aid his overall development, particularly if he ultimately establishes himself as a centre-back.

Despite being just 15 years old, Kourouma is already a part of the Juvenil B team and has fully adapted to life with U-18s, earning respect from his teammates and admiration from his coaches.

The versatile teenager’s positive attitude and eagerness to improve have impressed those in charge of La Masia’s development programme.

If he continues to work with the same dedication, those within the club see him as a strong candidate to reach the highest level.