FC Barcelona have moved quickly to strengthen their developmental structure, signing two exciting young talents. As part of an ambition to combine La Masia products with top external talents, the Catalans have secured the services of 16-year-old central defender Mikael Baza from Hamburg SV and 19-year-old central midfielder Mirza Catovic from VfB Stuttgart, respectively.
Both the young players hail from the German club system and, bring into the Catalan club a part of their strategy aimed at targeting the best European youth talent before their transfer market value skyrockets.
Mikael Baza: Theteenage defensive rock
The deal has been confirmed that 16-year-old center-back Mikael Baza will play in a Barca shirt until 2029, having committed his future for three seasons after being acquired from Hamburg. Pini Zahavi brokered the signing of one of Germany's most promising prospects.
- Profile: a left-footed center-back currently representing his country’s U16 team.
- Legacy: Baza is the cousion of the defender Jonathan Tah who plays for Bayern Munich in Germany.
- How will Barcelona use Baza?: He will integrate into Barca Atletic with the intention of polishing his game until he is eventually ready for consideration by first team manager, Hansi Flick.
Mirza Catovic: The anchoring midfielder
The German national youth team central midfielder, has become one of the Catalans’ most impressive reinforcements for their development side. Mirza Catovic, who stands at a robust height of 1.90m (6’3”), has a remarkable profile in possession of passing range and the technical ability and physical frame to impose himself within the midfield of Barcelona. Catovic comes to Barcelona as a temporary solution, arriving from VfB Stuttgart for one season loan with a €3.5 million buy option.
- Profile: He will immediately give the reserve team more physique with his tactical maturity being a very valid complement to the youthful aspect.
- Experience: His history is commendable for a footballer of only 19. He played in all of Stuttgart II's matches in Germany's 3rd division and, recently played in the European U19 Championship with his country.
- The plan: Upon activation of his €3.5m release clause, Catovic will be permanently acquired by the Catalan club after he meets certain specific sporting obligations over the course of this season.
A strategic plan
With both signings secured for this new campaign, Barcelona now have a blueprint for their second team. The acquisitions for Barca Atletic are very clear; bring in physically powerful and technically skilled talents from abroad like Baza and Catovic to increase their chances of success, and develop them into eventual stars for the Barcelona first team.
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