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See the full story · 1 sourcesThis is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sourcesConfirmed: Barcelona secure long-term future of La Masia forward until 2030
FC Barcelona have officially confirmed the contract renewal of promising striker Nuhu Fofana, with the 18-year-old signing a new four-year deal that will keep him at the club until 2030.
The agreement was completed one day after Fofana celebrated his 18th birthday and marks another step in Barcelona’s long-term commitment to developing talent from La Masia .
As part of the renewal, the forward will become a full member of Barça Atletic and has already begun pre-season training under Juliano Belletti.
A bright future
Fofana’s contract signing took place at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper alongside Jose Ramon Alexanco, Barcelona’s director of youth football.
His journey with the club has come full circle. After spending his early years at Barcelona as a Pre-benjamín and Benjamín player, Fofana later left the academy before rebuilding his reputation at Cornella, where his goalscoring ability caught the attention of the Blaugrana .
Barcelona brought him back last summer , believing he had the potential to develop into one of the academy’s most promising attacking prospects.
Strong progress last season
The young striker enjoyed an encouraging first season back at the club. Playing for Juvenil A, Fofana improved steadily throughout the campaign, finishing with nine goals in 33 appearances.
His performances also earned him opportunities with Barça Atletic, making four appearances for the reserve side before the end of the season.
Those displays convinced the club that he was ready for the next stage of his development.
Next season, Fofana is expected to compete for a regular starting place with Barça Atletic as the team’s central striker.
He will battle for minutes alongside Hamza Abdelkarim and Oscar Gistau, who are currently training with Hansi Flick’s first team during Barcelona’s pre-season camp in England, as well as new signing Ignasi Quer.
Barcelona continue investing in academy
The renewal reflects Barcelona’s ongoing strategy of protecting their brightest academy talents before they attract significant interest from elsewhere.
By tying Fofana down until 2030 and promoting him to Barça Atletic, the club are signalling their belief that the young striker has the qualities to become an important player in the years ahead.
While the competition for places will be intense, Barcelona view the 18-year-old as another exciting prospect capable of making the step from La Masia to professional football.
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