Barcelona formalise alliance with top youth academy in Africa | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have taken another major step in expanding their scouting network in Africa, formalising a collaboration agreement with the renowned Academie Africa Foot of Mali.

According to SPORT, a Barça delegation, including Sergi Barjuan and Bernat Villa, travelled to Mali to oversee the formal signing.

Moussa Kone, Barcelona’s head of scouting in Africa, and Spain’s ambassador to Mali, Antonio Guillen Hidalgo, were also present at the event.

The partnership grants Barcelona preferential rights over top talents emerging from the academy, which could be a massive boost for the club’s efforts in unearthing more talents in the continent.

Barcelona’s scouting mission in Africa

This collaboration is part of Barcelona’s wider efforts to step up their scouting mission across Africa. In recent years, the club have stepped up their scouting missions in the continent, eyeing various talents.

The partnership with Academie Africa Foot has already borne fruit, with one standout player, Ibrahim Diarra, catching Barcelona’s eye.

Diarra, who had a trial in Barcelona, impressed coaches with his agility, speed, and versatility in attack. His performances in the U-17 World Cup, where he scored five goals and provided three assists, further cemented his potential as one of the continent’s top prospects.

Diarra remains on Barcelona’s radar

Although Diarra had to return to Mali due to visa issues, Barcelona remain keen on securing his services once he turns 18 in December.

Standing 1.80 meters tall, Diarra combines physical presence with a powerful long-range shot, making him an exciting prospect for Barça’s future.

The collaboration with Academie Africa Foot represents an important move for Barcelona in the short and medium term, as they aim to continue building a pipeline of African talent for years to come.