Barcelona emerge as contenders to sign 16-year-old centre-back prodigy

Barcelona have made it a point to keep an eye out for exciting young talents across the globe to strengthen their youth ranks.

Given their financial situation, it makes sense for Barça to go after players at a younger age instead of trying to sign them once they become established stars.

The strategy saw Barcelona rope in players like Mamadou Mbacke, Noah Darvich, and Mika Faye, among others, over the past year.

And the recruitment is not stopping any time, with the Catalans already working on signing two African teenagers in Ibrahim Diarra and David Oduro, while Brazilian wonderkid Estevao is also on the agenda.

Barcelona eye Jorthy Mokio

Now, another exciting teenage prospect has emerged on the radars of FC Barcelona in the form of Jorthy Mokio, reports journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Mokio, 16, currently plays for Belgian outfit KAA Gent and has already made his senior debut for them, featuring twice in the Jupiler Pro League European playoffs this season.

Jorthy Mokio (L) on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by JASPER JACOBS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

A left-footed centre-back, the teenage prodigy has represented the Belgian national team at the Under-15 and Under-16 levels and is currently part of their Under-17 setup, making four appearances.

Mokio Barcelona-bound?

However, Jorthy Mokio’s time with Gent could be coming to an end and the 16-year-old could possibly be on his way to Barcelona.

As per the report, Mokio, through his entourage, sent a request to the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) to be disaffiliated from Gent.

Furthermore, the youngster and his family were in attendance for Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League match against PSG last Wednesday, further giving strength to the transfer links.

While nothing is certain yet, Barcelona are considered among the contenders to sign Mokio once the ongoing season is over.