Barcelona yet to close the signing of 16-year-old defensive gem

With a financial situation that does not permit the signing of established players or ones who are in the limelight, Barcelona’s focus has understandably shifted to lesser-known players at the grassroots levels who boast of high potential.

Still relatively unexplored, the club bet on such players to play a couple of seasons with the subsidiary team before an eventual promotion if warranted.

One such player who the Catalans have had on their agenda for a while now is Jorthy Mokio. Earlier this week, it was even reported that the youngster’s signing had been closed by Deco.

Almost there

The 16-year-old defensive prodigy enjoys the backing of Barcelona’s sporting director Deco and is said to be his personal bet to succeed at the club.

After all, he has established himself as a regular starter for the KAA Gent first-team at a tender age.

However, as revealed by Gerard Romero now, the deal is not yet fully closed and next week will be crucial for Mokio’s arrival in Barcelona. The Blaugranas must improve their offer to ensure that the deal goes through and progress is expected in the coming days.

Jorthy Mokio to Barcelona not yet done. (Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

Mokio’s family are ready to relocate to Spain and talks are in the final stages. The deal, however, can still not be deemed complete.

Mokio wanted Barcelona

As one of the highest-rated young defensive prospects around, the Belgian teenager unsurprisingly attracted interest from several of Europe’s elite. Manchester City and AS Roma, as relayed earlier this week, were two such parties.

Despite being spoilt for choice, Mokio always desired a move to Catalonia and did not consider the approaches from the aforementioned clubs. His arrival, in all probability, will be confirmed in the coming weeks rewarding him with his dream move.

Deco’s plan, as it stands, is to evaluate the defender in pre-season with Barcelona Atletic before making a decision on where he will play next season. A place in the first team, however, is still distant.