In the last few years and months, FC Barcelona have laid an increased emphasis on the talent emerging from Africa. The most notable investment that the Catalans have made in this regard has been on Mikayil Faye, the centre-back they bought from NK Kustosija last year, and who was sold to the French side Rennes in the last summer transfer window.
Other than him, the Blaugranes have also had Mamadou Mbacke in their Barcelona Atletic team, and recently have also arrived at agreements with David Oduro and Abdul Aziz.
Another African youngster who is on his way to join Barcelona is Ibrahim Diarra, who will be able to wear the Blaugrana shirt next January, when the winter transfer window opens and when the player will already have reached the age of maturity.
Regarding to his incorporation, SPORT reports that Barcelona are looking not to waste any time, and have already a roadmap in mind with a double objective. The first objective of the Catalans is to speed up the bureaucratic procedures that the player will have to complete to be able to play in Spain. The second objective is to incorporate him into the Barcelona Atletic team as soon as possible.
Barcelona have very high hopes from the Malian winger, and this is clear from the €1.7 million they have invested for his signature, €190,000 of which have gone to Africa Foot, while €1.5 million have gone to the player himself.
For now, the player will have to get a visa to be able to travel to Spain. He was expected to have received it by now, and although he has not yet received it, he is expected to get it soon. As soon as he gets the visa, he will be clear to join his new team. Barcelona are already speeding up the necessary preparation to apply for other permits as soon as he turns 18 years of age, on December 12th.
However, the Catalans will also have to make place for him in the Barcelona Atletic squad, as the B team already has 25 spots occupied, and at least one exit will have to take place for Diarra to be incorporated.
