Barça has achieved its goal, ensuring that the youth player Baba Kourouma continues his development at La Masia for the coming years. Despite the interest from Ajax or Manchester City, the defender has decided to accept the culer proposal, signing a contract until June 30, 2028. Born in 2009, he stands out in the lower categories and has already caught the attention of Hansi Flick.
At 16 years old, Baba Kourouma has decided to continue at Barça, where he feels comfortable and is capable of feeling important. He has played as a left-back, although he also regularly occupies the position of center-back. He is a versatile player, able to play even as an interior or defensive midfielder.
So far, he has played matches in Juvenil B, with which he played as a cadet. It is also expected that he will soon move up to Juvenil A. He is a future prospect that Deco has managed to retain, something that years ago Barcelona couldn't do with his brother: Ilaix Moriba. Ilaix headed to Leipzig with a multimillion-dollar contract and has learned from him while moving around mid-level teams like Celta or Valencia.
Baba Kourouma: The next star of La Masia
Baba Kourouma has played 32 matches this season with Barça's lower categories, where he has been a key piece. Despite his role as a central defender, he has also shown his ability to play in the midfield, providing tactical versatility, a highly valued asset in modern soccer. He has even managed to score 1 goal, showing his ability to arrive from the second line.
Among his most outstanding qualities are his ball control, his physical strength, and a remarkable speed that allows him to correct defensive errors or launch counterattacks with authority. At La Masia, he is already compared to some of the great center-backs who have been part of the first team.
With this renewal, Barça secures the future of one of its most promising defenders. Baba Kourouma aims high, and Hansi Flick is already taking note of his evolution. The youth academy machinery doesn't stop, and Kourouma could be the next to make the leap to professional soccer with the blue and red jersey. The club doesn't want another talent to slip away and has moved quickly to retain him amid Guardiola's interest.