FC Barcelona looks to Africa to find the next big thing

In a major change to its recruitment approach, FC Barcelona has recently increased its scouting activities in Africa.

The Catalan team, which has always prioritized talent from South America and Spain, is now making investments in young African possibilities by acquiring players like Abdul Aziz Issah, Mamadou Mbacke, David Oduro, and Mika Faye. The growing caliber of African academies and the distinctive physical and technical characteristics of players from the continent are the driving forces behind this new strategy.

Barça’s network in Africa has been further reinforced with the addition of Moussa Koné to the recruitment team, which has resulted in important collaborations with numerous academies.

This decision makes financial sense for a team that is having financial issues in addition to sporting ones. African players typically offer higher potential returns at lesser costs than their South American or European rivals, lowering financial risks. This tactic is best shown by Mika Faye’s €1.5 million transfer from the Croatian second division and his subsequent €10 million sale to Rennes.

Barça hopes to ensure both athletic success and financial stability by acquiring elite African players early on and either integrating them into the first squad or selling them for a profit.