Barcelona are scouting the ‘next Ousmane Dembélé’ in Marseille youngster

Marseille youth academy player Isaac Lihadji has emerged as a Barcelona target

Isaac Lihadji had the opportunity to register at La Masia 7 years ago, but he turned it down in favour of a stay at his boyhood club. The youngster has continued his development at Marseille, but could fail to resist the temptation to join Barcelona this time.

Club scouts have been monitoring his progress recently, and a stellar record has turned him into one of the most talented youngsters in France. The right-winger has also attracted interest from Manchester United, and has also earned comparisons to Ousmane Dembélé.

In fact, Lihadji is also left-footed and shares an agent with Dembélé. This could give Barça the upper hand in potential negotiations, but Marseille are also moving fast to tie him down for the future, with his current youth contract expiring in 2020.

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Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta is responsible for the development of many youngsters from his time in the same capacity at Barça, and has invited Marseille president Jacques-Henri Eyraud to watch Lihadji in order to recognise his huge talent.

Barça will also need to beat Serie A sides Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan to the signature of the 16-year old France youth international. Lihadji’s dribbling and other skills make him a good addition to Barcelona B, which has not seen the rise of a forward recently.

Lihadji has the potential to succeed Lionel Messi in the Barça first-team, if he can continue his growth at the proper rate. He should be one of the priority signings in the upcoming summer transfer window, in order to secure the long-term future of the club.