Barcelona 22-year-old youngster likely to leave this summer – report | OneFootball

Following their relegation to the RFEF Segunda Division, FC Barcelona’s reserve team, Barça Atletic, saw a number of young players leave the club this summer.

Indeed, the likes of Aleix Garrido, Diego Percan, Ander Astralaga, and Sergi Dominguez, among several others, left Barça, either on loan or permanently.

With Juliano Belletti bringing in players from the youth ranks, it is likely that there could be a few more departures from the reserve team squad before the transfer window closes.

Mamadou Mbacke expected to leave

One such player, who is expected to leave Barcelona in the coming weeks, is defender Mamadou Mbacke, reports SPORT.

Mbacke arrived two years ago on loan from Los Angeles FC after he had already played in Spain’s second division with Villarreal B. He made a strong impression, though Rafa Marquez’s side narrowly missed out on promotion.

Barcelona opted to sign him permanently last year, managing to cut the transfer fee from €4 million to €2 million, and handed him a two-year contract until 2026.

Mbacke expected to leave. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)

However, last season was disappointing for Mbacke as injuries disrupted his campaign, and his performance levels dropped noticeably.

The 22-year-old centre-back started the season sidelined with an ankle injury and ended it in the stands due to pubic discomfort. He missed the final four matches of the campaign – crucial games in the club’s failed effort to avoid relegation.

Not in Belletti’s plans

Mbacke’s contract runs until 30 June 2026, but Barça Atletic boss Belletti has his own vision. The new manager has brought up a group largely made up of players from the Juvenil A side that won the treble last season.

In this context, several players are already finding it hard to fit in, and Mbacke is among them. The 22-year-old Senegalese defender has not featured in either of the two friendlies played Barça Atletic have played so far and is expected to miss the third one later this week.

As such, Mbacke appears closer to an exit from Barcelona than to playing a role in this new-look Barça Atletic under Belletti.