Aziz Issah has what it takes to succeed at Barcelona – Ex-Ghana U20 coach Karim Zito

Former Dreams FC head coach Abdul Karim Zito believes Aziz Issah has everything required to succeed at FC Barcelona after the Ghanaian youngster completed a permanent transfer to the Spanish giants.

The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with Barcelona until June 30, 2028, after the Catalan club reached an agreement with Dreams FC following a successful loan spell with Barcelona B. The deal also includes an option to extend his stay by a further year should he impress the club’s technical staff.

The former Ghana U20 coach, who guided Dreams FC to the 2022/23 Ghana FA Cup title and a memorable run to the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals with Issah in his squad, said the move comes as no surprise given the winger’s qualities and mentality.

Zito hails Issah’s mentality

Speaking to Radio Gold, the experienced coach praised Issah’s willingness to learn and improve, insisting the youngster has always shown the characteristics needed to reach the highest level.

“I am very happy. I am very happy that another player has gone there early.”

“I am not surprised by the talent of Aziz Issah. He is somebody who likes learning. Any time you teach him, he takes it in good faith.”

“His attitude is very good, so during the African Games, Aziz was superb. He played in all the games, and he showed his quality as Aziz.”

Zito also reflected on the attacker’s steady rise through the ranks before earning his breakthrough at Dreams FC.

“Aziz played for In God We Trust FC, then we promoted him to Still Believe FC, and from Still Believe, he came to Dreams FC.”

“So, for Aziz, I am not surprised at where he has reached now.”

Reward for rapid progress

Issah returns to Barcelona B on a permanent basis after spending the past two seasons with the reserve side, where he made 20 appearances, scoring four goals and providing one assist.

Before his move to Spain, the exciting forward enjoyed an outstanding CAF Confederation Cup campaign, finishing as joint top scorer in the 2022/23 competition with four goals alongside Paul Bassene of RS Berkane, Abdoulaye Kanou of US Alger and Dreams teammate John Antwi.

The winger also captained Ghana’s U-20 side at the 2024 African Games on home soil, featuring in all five matches, before earning his maiden Black Stars call-up for the 2025 Unity Cup in London. He made his senior international debut in Ghana’s 4-0 third-place victory over Trinidad and Tobago.

With Barcelona now committing to him on a permanent deal, Issah has the opportunity to continue his development in Spain as he looks to force his way into the club’s first-team plans.