La Masia is once again the pillar on which FC Barcelona's future is being built. With Hansi Flick in charge, the club has managed to recover the developmental essence that has brought it so much success in the past. This season, with the domestic treble secured, the commitment to young talent has been one of the project's greatest successes.
Lamine Yamal, Fermín, and Gavi have been undisputed protagonists in Barça's campaign. Flick has managed to create a perfect blend of youth and experience, strengthening a model that puts homegrown players at the center. This strategic vision has restored the club's identity.
Lamine and his change of look during the latest training session | @FCBarcelona
A key move to secure the future
Fully aware of the incalculable value of its youth academy, the sporting management has acted quickly. First came the contract renewals of Gavi and Fermín, both finalized at the beginning of the year. Then it was Lamine Yamal's turn, who has renewed until 2030, but Barça isn't stopping there.
In the offices at Camp Nou, they've finalized another key move: the contract renewal of Baba Kourouma. The young center-back, just 16 years old, has extended his contract with the club until 2028. This strategic protection aims to secure one of the most interesting prospects to emerge from the cantera in recent years.
Fermín celebrating a goal | @FCBarcelona
Kourouma stands out for his physical power, great anticipation, and a clean, safe ball distribution. Despite his young age, he has already shown a competitive maturity that has caught Flick's coaching staff's attention. It's no coincidence that the first team already has him on their radar for future drafts.
This kind of move reaffirms Barça's intention to keep betting on their own. In times when the market is driven by exorbitant figures, securing homegrown talent is a smart and necessary step for the project's sustainability.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
Deco tied him down in time: He rejected City
The most relevant aspect of this renewal is the context: Baba Kourouma not only signed for Barça, but he did so while rejecting significant offers. Among them, a formal proposal from Manchester City. Guardiola's team had been following the young center-back for months and was willing to offer him an ambitious project far from Barcelona.
However, the footballer decided to stay. His commitment to La Masia and his desire to succeed at Barça have outweighed any external promise. The club values this gesture as a symbol of loyalty, an increasingly rare attitude in modern soccer.
Baba's case contrasts with that of his older brother, Ilaix Moriba, who chose to leave in search of playing time and prominence. That experience seems to have served as a reference. Baba has chosen to stay, grow at home, and earn his place through humility and hard work.
Joan Laporta and Deco celebrate this renewal as a silent but momentous victory. Securing Kourouma means securing Barça's future. With players like him, the youth academy keeps proving that it's still very much alive and ready to take on the prominence it deserves.
