Barcelona will sign one of the MVPs of the FIFA U17 World Cup in December 2024 | OneFootball

All eyes will be on the FIFA U17 World Cup final on Saturday as Germany take on France.

However, the biggest story coming out of the FIFA U17 World Cup is the Malian national team, who finished in the third place in the tournament after beating Argentina.

Ibrahim Diarra – star of Indonesia 2023

A key force behind Mali’s sublime run in the FIFA U17 World Cup in Indonesia was Ibrahim Diarra.

The young right-winger, who captained the team, was the standout player for Mali in the tournament, racking up five goals while assisting four more. He was easily one of the MVPs of the tournament, along with Germany’s Paris Brunner.

Diarra’s productivity in the final third, coupled with his speed and dribbling made life difficult for the opposition defenders. His ability to play as a winger or an interior midfielder is also seen as a standout aspect.

The 16-year-old was particularly a nuisance against Argentina in the match for third place, notably scoring the opener.

Diarra to join Barcelona in 2024

Although the news is yet to be confirmed, Barcelona look all set to bag the services of Ibrahima Diarra.

This report was carried forward by SPORT as well, with the Spanish publication now suggesting that Diarra will join Barcelona in December 2024, when he turns 18.

The youngster currently plies his trade at the Africa Foot academy, but could soon be set for a move to Europe, particularly Barcelona, in a year’s time.

Diarra could be an exciting signing for Barcelona, as the winger can operate as an internal midfielder while offering productivity in the final third.

The attacker is also a natural leader and could add to Barcelona’s arsenal of exciting young forwards who are more than prepared to take the next step in their careers.