Laporta announces a surprise signing for Barcelona: ‘He’ll be part of the first-team’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has unexpectedly confirmed that winger Abdul Aziz Issah will return to the club after the expiration of his loan spell.

The Ghanaian is set to travel back to Spain this weekend and re-sign for the Blaugrana from Dreams FC after spending the last two seasons on loan in Catalonia.

Surprise announcement in the United States

While in the United States of America to attend the World Cup final, Laporta has been approached by supporters and media during his stay in New York.

During one of those encounters, a Ghanaian fan asked him about Aziz Issah, who spent the last two seasons on loan with Barça Atletic from Dreams FC.

Laporta’s response surprised many.

“I know Aziz. We brought him in for our reserve team. And now he’ll be part of the first-team set-up. A great lad.,” the Barcelona president said, as quoted by SPORT.

Laporta has confirmed the return of Abdul Aziz Issah. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Until now, neither Barcelona nor the player had announced any plans regarding his future.

Return to Barcelona

According to SPORT, Issah will fly from Ghana this weekend and is expected to arrive in Barcelona on Sunday.

If Laporta’s comments prove accurate, the winger could begin training with Hansi Flick’s first-team squad as early as next week.

His previous loan officially ended on June 30, during which he made 22 appearances, scoring four and assisting one goal.

Barcelona were initially expected not to activate the purchase option, but it appears that plans have changed.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Abdul Aziz Issah (@azziz_issah)

Future still undecided

Although Laporta suggested Issah will initially join the first-team environment, his long-term role remains unclear.

Barça Atletic begin pre-season training on Monday, with several academy prospects preparing for the new campaign, including Alex Campos, Ignasi Quer, Josue Caicedo, Joan Anaya and other young talents.

The club must now decide whether Issah will remain with the first team during pre-season, or return to Barça Atletic. A loan move away to continue his development could also be on the cards.

For now, the 20-year-old winger’s future remains open, but his return to Barcelona appears to be confirmed.