Barcelona’s decision to bring Mamadou Mbacke back to Catalonia permanently might raise a few eyebrows, but it’s a move that makes sense on several levels.
The young Senegalese defender returns after a loan spell with Barca Atletic, the club’s reserve team, where he made 22 appearances under the watchful eye of Rafa Marquez. Despite missing a significant portion of the season due to registration issues and a late ankle injury, Mbacke clearly did enough to impress.
The most striking aspect of the deal is the fee: a reported €2 million. This is a significant reduction from the €7 million buy option Barcelona initially negotiated with Los Angeles FC. In a market often characterized by inflated prices, securing a promising young player for such a modest sum can be seen as a coup.
While Mbacke’s immediate future likely lies with Barca Atletic, the potential for a quick turnaround and a first-team role shouldn’t be discounted. Barcelona’s recent history with young talent, particularly in defense, suggests that opportunities can arise quickly.
The club’s reported pursuit of another young defender, Jorthy Mokio, who ultimately signed with Ajax, further underscores their commitment to building for the future. Missing out on Mokio might have even strengthened Barcelona’s resolve to secure Mbacke’s services.
This signing represents a low-risk, high-reward scenario for Barcelona. At a minimal cost, they’ve secured a young defender who already knows the club’s system and has shown promise in his early career. If Mbacke continues to develop, Barcelona will have a valuable asset on their hands. If a significant offer materializes, they’ll be in a strong position to command a profit. Either way, bringing back Mbacke is a shrewd piece of business for the Catalan giants.
Source: Footballespana
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