In recent years, sporting director Deco has implemented a new recruitment strategy for Barcelona, focusing on developing international young talent. While Barcelona previously lagged behind other European giants in pursuing established young stars, this situation has changed significantly over the past two to three years.

Constrained by financial limitations, Barcelona cannot always outbid other clubs for established talents. However, this has not been entirely negative, as the club has prioritized developing its own academy prospects. Cubarsí, Lamine Yamal, Bernal, Fort, and Esparto have emerged as key players, demonstrating that both approaches can coexist. This has always been central to Barcelona's philosophy.

With the support of new head scout João Amaral, Deco has redirected Barcelona's recruitment strategy and increased investment: identifying rising talents across Europe, Africa, South America, and the United States before other major clubs do. Through this new market approach, 18 young external prospects have recently joined, with varying degrees of success. The goal is not only to strengthen the first team but also to develop these players, increase their market value, and generate revenue for the club.

Mika Faye represents a genuine "successful" signing. He joined from the Croatian second division and immediately made an impact, particularly with impressive defensive performances, before moving on for a good transfer fee. Mbacké showed promise but suffered injuries and eventually moved to MLS, generating limited revenue for Barcelona.

When Noah Darviche joined in 2023, he was considered one of the best U17 talents in the world. Despite showing impressive technical skills, he never fully realized his potential. Last summer, he returned to Germany, with Barcelona retaining a sell-on clause. He currently plays for SV Elversberg.

Two Ghanaian players joined during the same summer 2024 transfer window. Odura arrived on a permanent transfer, while Aziz joined on loan. Left-back Odura had limited playing time and was sold to Annecy in France this summer, with Barcelona also retaining a sell-on clause. Aziz was purchased permanently and has become a key player under manager Belletti.

This Malian player was considered one of Africa's most talented prospects in recent years but has been hampered by injuries since joining. An attacking midfielder with offensive drive and technical ability, he should become an important asset for Belletti once fit. He has also participated in two preseason sessions with the first team.

Both joined in January 2026. Öhnstein is a center-back with excellent attributes but has suffered from persistent physical issues, limiting his appearances. Tavares is a technically talented winger who plays for the U19 team but has yet to truly shine. Pacifico made a strong impression in his first few months but then suffered a serious knee injury. If he can return to his previous level, Barcelona plans to make his loan permanent.

This Croatian winger transferred to Al-Diriyah in Saudi Arabia this summer. He has a good left foot but never established a significant role in Barcelona's youth setup, and his time with Blaugrana was not considered successful. Barcelona also retained a sell-on clause.

This has been an important deal for Barcelona in terms of value for money. This traditional striker quickly rose through the ranks at Al Ahly in Egypt, prompting Barcelona to act fast. Initially on loan, then made permanent, he renewed his contract last week, which includes a first-team clause. Regardless of his future, this has already proven to be a valuable deal, as he has already been integrated into the first team's training system.

This is another successful signing. Barcelona brought him from Copenhagen after careful scouting. Despite competing with Yamal in the same position, he has played an important role in the first team during his debut season. He was expected to leave this summer, possibly for a significant transfer fee. However, he suffered a serious injury in training. Barcelona paid €2.5 million plus bonuses for him, with a contract through 2029.

Mirza Katović joined this summer on loan from Stuttgart. At 1.91 meters tall, this left-footed midfielder has made a very impressive start, leaving a strong impression. His contract includes a purchase clause if he reaches a certain number of appearances. Michal Baza is a strong center-back transferred from Hamburg and has started playing for the U18 team. He is tall, good at distribution, and has room to develop.

Additionally, the club has recently confirmed the signing of Dani Frère. This player, who holds dual citizenship from Luxembourg and Portugal, also trialed with the U18 team and, now at 16 years old, is a highly promising forward.

He is Barcelona's biggest gamble and the club's largest investment in a U20 player in recent years. Barcelona signed him from Club Brugge for €8.5 million. This winger is considered to have world-class potential and currently trains with Flick while also playing temporarily for the B team. His playing style is somewhat reminiscent of Neymar, but he still needs further development. At 1.85 meters, this winger possesses raw talent.

Mehdi El Maimouni, born in 2009, was transferred this summer from Charleroi in Belgium. He is a talented midfielder currently with the U18 team. Ibrahim Babayev is a Swiss-Azerbaijani goalkeeper who joined in 2025 but has had virtually no playing time in official matches.

It is also worth mentioning several talented players tracked and pursued by Barcelona who ultimately got away. For example, Lucas Herrinton, an Australian midfielder who joined Hull City this summer. And Andreas Nystad, a center-back at FC Twente who was a primary Barcelona target, but his club demanded more than €20 million.

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