This season, with Hansi Flick, Barça has once again seen La Masia as the cornerstone of the project. The culé academy has been an undisputed protagonist in a brilliant campaign in which Barça has conquered the national treble. They have not only won, but have done so with their own style, betting on the youth, talent, and commitment of their academy players.
Players like Lamine Yamal, Fermín, and Gavi have been important parts of the success. Flick has known how to perfectly integrate La Masia's talent with the heavyweights of the locker room, forming a team that combines experience and youth with enviable chemistry.
Barça secures La Masia
Aware of the gems they have on their hands, the club moved quickly to secure their future. In January, Barça secured Gavi and Fermín with long-term renewals that ensure their presence in the project for many years. The management understood that, beyond the titles, they had to consolidate a solid base built on homegrown players.
In that same line, the next step is planned for this summer. Lamine Yamal, who will turn 18, will sign a renewal with which Barça hopes to tie him until 2030. In times of million-dollar signings, securing their own talent has become the club's priority.
The player Barça has signed
In addition to those already established, Barça also looks to the future and has closed the renewal of one of the greatest promises of their academy: Baba Kourouma. The 16-year-old has signed his continuity until 2028. He is a center-back with power, good ball distribution, and uncommon maturity for his age.
Kourouma has attracted the interest of several European clubs thanks to his performances in Barça's youth categories. However, the club acted quickly and managed to close his renewal before other teams could tempt the young defender. His progression is being closely followed by Flick and his coaching staff, who already have him on the radar for future drafts with the first team.
He rejected Manchester City
The curious thing about Baba Kourouma's case is that his older brother, Ilaix Moriba, decided to leave a few seasons ago in search of opportunities. Unlike Ilaix, Baba has chosen to stay at Barça and continue his development at the club that trained him.
Moreover, his renewal takes on special value considering that he rejected very tempting offers, including one from Guardiola's Manchester City. Barça greatly values this gesture of commitment and loyalty. His story is yet another example of the deep and lasting impact that La Masia continues to have on the present and future of the club.