Barcelona announced the signing of Ibrahim Diarra on Tuesday, meaning the 18-year-old talent from Mali would join Barca Atletic. Sporting director Deco will focus his efforts on Latin America in the new year.
The scouting department is overseen by chief scout Paulo Araujo, Sport says, and he will send one scout to Brazil in January and another to Venezuela. The former will take part in the Under-20 Cup in Sao Paulo, or 'La Copinha', while another will head to Venezuela for the Under-20 South American Championship. Many of the continent's top talents will be in attendance, including River Plate's Franco Mastantuono.
Previously, Barcelona, like many elite clubs, has taken into account performances in the South American Under-20 Championship, most recently with Vitor Roque. Given the financial challenges Barcelona are facing, which prevents them from signing football's top stars for big money, they have recently stepped up their efforts in recruiting youngsters.
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