Barcelona interested in €25m-rated Bundesliga starlet, will monitor him at AFCON | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are unlikely to make any major signings in the upcoming January transfer window, but planning for the future does not stop.

The sporting department, led by director Deco, are identifying targets for the summer while also keeping an eye on young prospects who can be signed and developed at the club.

One such instance has led to the Catalans making a move for Egyptian starlet Hamza Abdelkarim, with the 17-year-old striker likely to arrive in January.

Now, it appears that another African talent has caught the attention of the La Liga champions.

Barcelona like Ibrahim Maza

Indeed, according to reports in Algeria, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are interested in Ibrahim Maza, a 20-year-old attacking midfielder who plays for Bayer Leverkusen.

The youngster is currently competing in the Africa Cup of Nations with the Algerian national team.

And, as per the report, Barcelona scouts will be closely monitoring his performance in Algeria’s match this Wednesday against Equatorial Guinea.

Ibrahim Maza on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Born in Berlin in November 2005, Maza is an attacking midfielder who can also operate as a second striker or even on the wing.

A skilled dribbler, the 20-year-old joined Leverkusen from Hertha BSC last summer in a deal worth €12 million, and has a contract that runs until 2030.

So far in his debut season with Die Werkself, Maza has produced a tally of four goals and three assists from 21 matches in all competitions.

Barcelona have scouts present at the AFCON, with the club monitoring several players, including Levante and Cameroon striker Etta Eyong.

As for the alleged interest in Maza, a new attacking midfielder is not a priority for Hansi Flick & co. currently.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.