FC Barcelona has recently intensified its scouting efforts in Africa, marking a significant shift in its recruitment strategy.

Traditionally focused on talent from Spain and South America, the Catalan club is now investing in young African prospects, signing players like Mika Faye, Mamadou Mbacke, David Oduro, and Abdul Aziz Issah. This new approach is driven by the rising quality of African academies and the unique physical and technical attributes of players from the continent.

The arrival of Moussa Koné in Barça’s recruitment team has further strengthened the club’s network in Africa, leading to key partnerships with various academies.

Beyond sporting reasons, this move also makes financial sense for a club struggling with economic difficulties. African players generally come at a lower cost than their European or South American counterparts, reducing financial risks while offering high potential returns. Mika Faye’s transfer from the Croatian second division for €1.5 million and his subsequent €10 million sale to Rennes exemplifies this strategy.

By securing top African talents early, Barça aims to either integrate them into the first team or sell them at a profit, ensuring both sporting success and financial stability.