Barcelona have brought in several young African players over the past two years, and the latest to join will be Ibrahim Diarra. A deal was agreed earlier this year, although he may not officially arrive at the club until January as he does not turn 18 until next month.
Diarra has been on Barcelona's roster since impressing at the U17 World Cup, where he scored five goals and provided four assists for Mali. Understandably, the Catalan giants have high hopes for him upon his arrival, and Sport say that a roadmap has already been established.
After joining, Diarra will immediately join Barca Atletic, although he may have to wait for his debut, as a player must not be registered before he can play. Once he gets involved, he is expected to be followed closely by those involved in the first team.
Barcelona expect Diarra to improve significantly in the coming years, and it wouldn't be surprising if he is promoted at some point by Hansi Flick. For now, expectations will be somewhat tempered, but there is excitement for him.
