It seems that FC Barcelona have now singled out a new region as a potential hunting ground. While the Catalans are renowned for their scouting in the South American market, they are not exclusively limited to it. Instead, Barcelona have now turned their attention towards another continent altogether.
The African Cup of Nations, being hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, is currently taking place. Having started from the 5th of January, it is expected to keep running until the 11th of February. Home to some of the most promising African talents in world football, it has managed to catch the eye of Barcelona.
As such, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona has already dispatched scouts to oversee the competition. Just as they did for the ‘Copinha’ to find the new Vitor Roque, Barça are now repeating the formula to inquire and assess new talents from the African region.
MD has thus highlighted six great talents that Barcelona are likely keeping an eye on. While new names can definitely emerge as time passes, there are primarily six top talents that the Catalan club seems to be curious about the most.
Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur)
Born in 2002, Pape Matar Sar is a midfielder who plays for Tottenham Hotspur. His performances have impressed Spurs so much, in fact, that they have renewed his contract until 2030. He possesses great vision, physical presence, and has great work rate as well.
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)
Another midfielder, Raphael Onyedika was born in 2001. Already a starter for Club Brugge, he is contracted to them until 2027. His key assets are his physical strength and the way he can hold possession of the ball through his physical qualities.
Dango Ouattara (Bournemouth)
A converted left-back, Ouattara was born in 2002. Signed by Lorient in January of last year and now of Bournemouth, he is a player who hails from Burkina Faso. He possesses great stamina and agility to back it up with flair. Contracted until 2028, he has played 14 Premier League games this season.
Ousmane Diomande (Sporting CP)
Born in 2003, Ousmane Diomande is a center-back who plays for Portuguese side Sporting CP. Physically imposing, he matches his strength with speed and composure. His current contract is valid until 2027.
Ernest Nuamah (Lyon)
A player for French side Lyon, Ernest Nuamah was born in Ghana in 2003. He is a winger who possesses great skill. With 20 games played this season and 5 goals to his name, he is surely a player to keep an eye on.
Yankuba Minteh (Feyenoord)
A powerful and direct forward, Yankuba Minteh was born in 2004. The youngest on this list, he currently plays for Dutch side Feyenoord. He has 18 games under his belt this season, across which he has scored 4 goals. Moreover, one of those goals came in the UEFA Champions League.
