Barcelona close in on permanent deal for Ghana youngster Abdul Aziz Issah

Barcelona are on the verge of signing Ghana midfielder Abdul Aziz Issah on a permanent transfer from Dreams FC after being convinced by his breakthrough season with Barca Atletic.

The 20-year-old, who has been on loan at the club since 2024, is expected to finalise his move shortly, with Spanish outlet Sport reporting that an agreement has been reached between Barcelona and Ghanaian side Dreams FC.

Issah has already returned to Spain in anticipation of the deal being completed but is currently unable to train while he waits for official confirmation of the transfer.

Key role with Barca Atletic

Issah enjoyed a prominent campaign with Barca Atletic in 2025-26, making 20 appearances in the Segunda Division.

Operating from midfield, he scored four goals and provided one assist, establishing himself as an important figure for the club’s reserve side and strengthening his case for a long-term future in Catalonia.

Those performances convinced Barcelona’s hierarchy to move from a temporary arrangement to a permanent signing, ending his stint as a loanee from Dreams FC.

Decision pending on next step

Once Barcelona formally announce the transfer, a decision will be made on whether Issah joins the first-team squad or continues his development with Barca Atletic.

Head coach Hansi Flick will have the final say on his immediate role and is expected to assess the Ghana international at close quarters, including the possibility of involving him in upcoming pre-season fixtures in England.

Even if Flick opts to bring him into first-team training and give him minutes in friendly matches, Issah is not currently expected to secure a permanent place in the senior squad for the new season.

Loan or reserve stay on the table

Barcelona are understood to favour sending Issah out on loan to a club playing at a higher level than Spain’s fourth tier, where Barca Atletic currently compete, in order to accelerate his development against stronger opposition.

However, the option of keeping him with the reserve side for at least one more season remains under consideration.

Staying with Barca Atletic would allow Issah to continue working within Barcelona’s structure while attempting to force his way into Flick’s long-term first-team plans.