“He reminds me of Rivaldo or Lamine Yamal” - Barcelona-bound forward receives high praise from coach after sealing transfer

Barcelona's new signee Ibrahim Diarra has been compared with La Masia graduate Lamine Yamal and club legend Rivaldo by current head coach of the Mali U-17 team, Soumaila Coulibaly. Diarra recently signed a four-year contract with Barcelona from Africa Foot Academy for a reported fee of €1.7 million.

However, he will begin his development with La Blaugrana’s reserve team, Barca Athletic. While information about Diarra’s stats at Africa Foot Academy are unknown, the 18-year-old was impressive for his national team in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, scoring five goals and providing seven assists.

Following his permanent transfer to Barcelona, Diarra’s coach in the Mali U-17 team raved about him and compared him with Yamal and Rivaldo. Soumaila Coulibaly said in an interview with Spanish publication Sport:

“He reminds me of Rivaldo or Lamine Yamal. Left-footers with similar characteristics. But he must make his way, of course. For me, he is the greatest talent in Mali right now, without a doubt. He has had a classic profile as a Barça footballer for a long time."

"Left-footed, powerful, with good one-on-one and moves very well between the lines, between the defense, to break the game when the opponent is compact and crouched at the back. A situation that Barça often encounters.”

On being asked if Diarra could make his debut with Barcelona's first team this year, he said:

“It’s possible, I think his debut could happen. If he is physically fit he will be able to show a lot and I’m sure Flick will be paying attention.”

It should also be noted that Ibrahim Diarra had already been called up by the Malian national team when he was just 17 years old.

Barcelona plans to part ways with 19-year-old star next summer amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur - Reports

According to Sport, Barcelona could part ways with 19-year-old Vitor Roque next summer in a bid to generate some funds.

Roque was loaned to Real Betis in the summer after he fell further in the pecking order. He joined La Blaugrana from Athletico PR early in 2024 but struggled to make an impact at the Catalan club.

The Brazilian forward's move to Betis has proved quite beneficial for him as he has gained the playing time he needed to improve his gameplay. While he is still a Barcelona player, it is unlikely that he will return to the Catalan club. Barca are reportedly planning to sell him to a third club, which will, in turn, benefit them and Real Betis.

As per Barca Universal, Tottenham Hotspur and Brazilian side Palmeiras have shown interest in Vitor Roque.

Betis has an option to buy the Brazilian forward for €25 million for 80% of his rights, with additional variables, but it is unlikely that they can afford this transfer. To that end, La Blaugrana will be seeking a third club to facilitate the deal.