By Kwame Bediako
FC Barcelona have officially secured the signing of 18-year-old Ghanaian centre-back Hafiz Gariba on a three-year deal. The deal confirmed by Spanish journalist Toni Juanmarti marks the beginning of what promises to be a bright future for both the club and the young defender.
Gariba, who recently turned 18, has long been a target for Barcelona, whose scouts had been closely monitoring his progress. The club wasted no time in finalising the deal as soon as the young athlete became eligible, showcasing their commitment to nurturing talent and building a strong team.
Renowned for his imposing physical presence and sharp defensive instincts, Gariba honed his skills at Escuela Marcet, a prestigious football academy in Spain.
His exceptional performances there attracted the attention of multiple top-tier clubs, but it was Barcelona who ultimately secured his services, fulfilling Gariba’s lifelong ambition to don the famous red and blue of the Catalans.
Initially, Gariba will join Barcelona’s Juvenil B squad, where he will be mentored by coach Pol Planas. However, the club’s high hopes for his development suggest that he may soon be graduating to the Juvenil A team under the guidance of Juliano Belletti.
