Hafiz Gariba: Barcelona’s 19-year-old academy talent could earn first-team pre-season call-up
- Barcelona have already started planning for pre-season and will travel to England for a training camp and friendly matches
- Highly rated defender Hadiz Gariba could be given the chance to train with the first team under Hansi Flick
- The 19-year-old is expected to be promoted to Barça Atlètic next season as his development continues
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Although the 2025/26 season has only just ended, FC Barcelona have already begun preparations for the upcoming campaign.
The squad is set to travel to England for a pre-season training camp, where they will play two friendly matches.
Source: Getty Images
The 2025/26 La Liga champions are also working to arrange one or two additional fixtures before the new season gets underway.
As he has done in recent years, manager Hansi Flick plans to use pre-season as an opportunity to assess some of the most promising talents emerging from La Masia.
Hafiz Gariba could be given first-team opportunity
Ghanaian teenage defender Hadfz Gariba could be invited to begin pre-season training with Barcelona’s first team, although a final decision has not yet been made.
According to SPORT, Gariba joined Barcelona at the age of 15 after the Catalan club beat Real Madrid CF to secure his signature.
The 19-year-old has steadily progressed through the ranks at La Masia. He broke into the Juvenil B side in January 2025 before earning promotion to Juvenil A during the 2025/26 season.
Within the club, coaches are said to be particularly impressed by his pace, physical strength, ability in one-on-one situations and composure when playing out from the back.
Barcelona monitor Hafiz Gariba's development
While there are still aspects of his game that require improvement, particularly concentration and consistency, Barcelona remain convinced that Gariba possesses enormous potential.
The young defender has two years remaining on his current contract and is expected to be promoted to Barça Atlètic next season, where he is likely to play a significant role in the Segunda RFEF.
As things stand, the possibility of him joining Flick’s first-team squad for pre-season has not been ruled out.
What is already confirmed, however, is that Gariba will report on July 20 under reserve-team coach Juliano Belletti as he continues his development within the club's system.
Source: Getty Images
From Teshie to La Masia: The rise of Gariba
Gariba’s football journey began far from the bright lights of Barcelona. He started with Zinaps FC, a popular youth club in Teshie, a vibrant footballing community in Accra.
His talent later earned him opportunities at Villarreal CF Africa and Spain’s Marcet Soccer Academy, where his progress caught the attention of Barcelona scouts.
In February 2025, he signed a three-year contract with the club’s Juvenil B side.
His steady development has seen him become a key figure in the UEFA Youth League for Barca, making two appearances according to Transfermarkt.
Coaches at La Masia reportedly view him as a player with the temperament and technical quality needed to thrive in the senior team.
Gariba’s rise has sparked excitement among Ghanaian football enthusiasts, who have taken to social media to express their pride and hope for his success.
Gariba scores first Barcelona goal
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Hafiz Gariba scored his first goal for Barcelona Juvenil B in their 2-2 draw with L'Hospitalet on February 27, 2025.
With Barcelona behind and pushing for a late equaliser, Hafiz stepped up and delivered, heading in a dramatic last-minute goal.
Source: YEN.com.gh
