Who is Arouna Traore, the Malian teenager that Barcelona have taken on 15-day trial period?

Earlier this week it was confirmed that two Malian teenagers would be joining Barcelona: Ibrahim Diarra will officially sign on a permanent basis after he turns 18 in December, while Arouna Traore has also been signed on a 15-day trial.

Traore is not as widely known as Diarra, but he is someone who is also highly regarded in African football, according to Sport. He recently turned 17, so he wouldn't be able to join Barcelona permanently until January 2026, although he will first be given the chance to impress during his trial period.

Traore is an attacker described as “fast, powerful and technical”, while also being seen as a differential player. He was already on trial at La Masia last winter and after impressing on that occasion it was decided that he would return again in 2024.

It remains to be seen how Traore will fare this time, but what is certain is that Barcelona are determined to give African talent a chance.