Barcelona’s plan to prepare teenage summer signing for first-team football under Flick

Barcelona’s plan to prepare teenage summer signing for first-team football under Flick FC Barcelona roped in Jesse Bisiwu this past summer, shelling out a fee of €8.5 million plus add-ons – a sizeable amount for a teenager with no first-team experience. The Catalan club endured lengthy negotiations with Club Brugge throughout last season to secure the signing of the 18-year-old considered one of Europe’s most promising young talents. From the outset, Barcelona had a clear plan for Bisiwu : help him adapt to the club’s playing style and environment while supporting him through the changes involved in moving to a new country. Another priority was to help him regain his match fitness after a largely inactive second half of the previous season at Club Brugge, where he had struggled for regular playing time.  Barcelona maintain the original development plan And, according to SPORT , the club’s roadmap remains unchanged. Bisiwu regularly trains with the first team, except in the days leading up to matches, when he works under Juliano Belletti with Barça Atletic. For now, he continues to play for Barcelona’s reserve side.  Bisiwu is a long-term bet by Barcelona. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website) Training alongside Hansi Flick’s squad is considered an important part of his development. It allows the 18-year-old to familiarise himself with the German coach’s ideas, build relationships with his teammates and become accustomed to the demands of first-team football. At the same time, he needs regular minutes and match rhythm, opportunities that are currently harder to come by in the senior side.  The Barça sporting department always expected his adaptation to take time. Bisiwu is experiencing life away from home for the first time, and the transition represents a significant change. The club regards him as an exceptional talent, but he understands that hard work will be essential if he is to meet Flick’s expectations and earn an opportunity with the first team. Bisiwu is getting minutes with the reserve team. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website) Building match fitness with Barça Atletic Bisiwu is gradually learning the demands placed on a winger in the Barcelona setup while accumulating minutes with Barça Atlètic.  Belletti is helping him through the transition, ensuring that he becomes familiar with a style of play that is also being implemented throughout Barcelona’s reserve team and youth categories.  The relationship between the first team and the reserve side has also become closer, with both operating directly under the oversight of Deco, Bojan and Joao Amaral. This structure is intended to provide a more coordinated pathway for young players such as Bisiwu as they work towards the possibility of making the step up to the senior squad.