15-year-old La Masia gem Ebrima Tunkara edges closer to Barcelona Atletic debut after training call-up | OneFootball

La Masia is the most important foundation on which the success of FC Barcelona is built. It has been a consistent conveyor belt of top-class talents who have broken into the first team and gone on to reach the highest pinnacles in the sport.

Under Hansi Flick, the pathway from youth football to the senior squad is once again clear. Players such as Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, and Gerard Martin are all products of La Masia who have carved out roles at the highest level under Flick. Their presence reinforces the message that excellence in the academy is rewarded.

Within this context, Ebrima Tunkara is increasingly being spoken about as one of the brightest prospects at the club. Still only 15 and set to turn 16 in March, the attacking midfielder continues to make significant strides in his development. Already a regular for Juvenil A, his rapid progression underlines the high ceiling Barcelona see in him.

According to SPORT, Tunkara took another important step forward this week by training with Barça Atlètic under Juliano Belletti. The session was part of preparations for the Copa Catalunya quarter-final against NSA Camp Joliu, a match in which Belletti is expected to field an experimental lineup combining reserve team players and standout talents from the Juvenil A squad.

Alongside Ebrima, defenders Baba Kourouma and Hafiz Gariba, and midfielder Orian Goren were also called up, highlighting the club’s trust in its youth pipeline.

While it remains unclear whether Tunkara will make his competitive debut with Barça Atlètic in the Copa Catalunya, the mere inclusion in training represents a strong signal of confidence.

His season has already exceeded expectations, especially considering that there was initial discussion in the summer about placing him in Juvenil B before the club ultimately fast-tracked him to Juvenil A.

This campaign, Ebrima Tunkara has been used primarily in advanced attacking roles, often operating as a false winger. Although he made his name in earlier age groups as an attacking interior, his ability to destabilize defenses, carry the ball with power, and arrive decisively in the final third has seen his qualities deployed closer to goal. The tactical flexibility he is developing is viewed internally as a key asset for his long-term growth.

Off the pitch, Barcelona remain optimistic about securing his future. While no formal agreement has yet been signed, the relationship between the club and the player is described as positive and aligned. Tunkara himself is convinced that Barcelona is the ideal environment for his continued development and believes that sustained performances could soon bring him into first-team dynamics, especially under a coach like Flick, who places trust in young players.

Tunkara’s journey has not been without adversity. After joining Barça’s seven-a-side setup in the 2018–19 season, his rise through the ranks was meteoric. Leaving behind a difficult childhood in Gambia, he adapted quickly to life at La Masia, impressing coaches with his imposing physique, explosive ball carrying, close control, and natural goal-scoring instinct.

A serious ankle injury temporarily slowed his momentum, but his recovery last season with Cadete A reignited belief in his exceptional potential.

Now fully integrated into Juvenil A and knocking on the door of Barça Atlètic, Ebrima Tunkara once again embodies the essence of La Masia. His progression is being carefully managed, but the signs point toward a future firmly tied to the blaugrana colors. If his development continues on its current path, Barcelona may soon have another homegrown talent ready to leave a lasting mark on the first team.