Barcelona awaiting final decision from 16-year-old prodigy after tabling offer

In recent transfer windows, due to the financial issues plaguing them, Barcelona have increased their focus on signing younger players to strengthen the academy and reserve ranks with an eye on the future.

It saw the Blaugrana rope in players like Mikayil Faye and Noah Darvich last summer while they are again targeting similar signings this year.

One of the youngsters on the Catalans’ agenda for the summer happens to be KAA Gent defender Jorthy Mokio.

The 16-year-old Belgian centre-half is set to leave his club for free this summer and Barcelona have emerged as a serious contender for his signing.

Barcelona wait for Jorthy Mokio

A few weeks ago, reports suggested that Barcelona had already closed Jorthy Mokio’s signing, with the teenager being a personal bet of sporting director Deco.

However, that is not the case, and Mundo Deportivo states that Barça are still awaiting a decision from the 16-year-old after sending their proposal for him.

With his contract with Gent set to expire, Mokio is free to negotiate with any team he wishes to and has many offers on the table, including one from Barcelona.

Mokio has many proposals. (Photo by JASPER JACOBS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

On 18 May, Mokio’s family and agents met with Deco at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, a meeting that was positive. With the season now over and his future in the air, the ball is now in the player’s court to choose his next destination.

Barça are hoping to convince him, but some of the proposals that the 16-year-old has are more financially lucrative than what the Blaugrana are offering.

As such, the La Liga heavyweights are awaiting a definitive decision from the promising player and his family over his future.

Barcelona have high hopes

Barcelona have high hopes for Jorthy Mokio and believe that he can be a part of the club’s present and future. The two parties are still in contact over the possible arrival of the Belgian defender.

The idea would be for Mokio to join the reserve team with the option of moving up to the first team, in a similar formula to that of Mikayil Faye, although the interest of other clubs could complicate the operation.