Barcelona in difficult position over 18-year-old starlet wanted by clubs in Spain and France | OneFootball

Barcelona are currently dealing with an important decision regarding the future of one of their most promising young talents, Ibrahim Diarra.

According to SPORT, the club is unsure whether the 18-year-old will join the senior team for their upcoming pre-season tour in Asia.

Unlike the previous summer, this time all key first-team players are available. That reality has made Diarra’s chances of travelling with the squad more complicated.

Diarra, who is comfortable as a playmaker or right winger, finds both positions overcrowded at Barcelona right now. In midfield, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, and Gavi have all been options for Hansi Flick, while Raphinha has also featured centrally on occasion.

On the right wing, things are just as difficult. Lamine Yamal is already the established starter, and the arrival of Roony Bardghji this summer could further limit Diarra’s chances of earning regular minutes in that role.

A loan or transfer with buy-back clause

Diarra has just finished a brilliant season with Juvenil A, especially in the UEFA Youth League, where he was one of the standout players. His performances earned him a call-up to train with the first team under Flick.

Meanwhile, several teams in Spain are ready to take Diarra on loan, but clubs from France are also pushing for a permanent transfer.

Barcelona, however, are not willing to let him go without keeping control over his future. If Diarra leaves, the Catalan club plans to include a buy-back clause and retain a percentage of any future sale.

As such, a decisive meeting between Diarra’s agents and Barcelona’s management is expected soon.

If Flick decides the youngster won’t get enough playing time, the most likely option will be a loan move to ensure he continues progressing without dropping down to the Segunda Federacion.